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Govt brushes off UNHCR concerns, vows to use Section 112 to protect monarchy (nationthailand.com)

Govt brushes off UNHCR concerns, vows to use Section 112 to protect monarchy

NationalDec 20. 2020File Photo 

By The Nation

The Thai government would continue using Section 112, the lèse majesté law in the Criminal Code, to protect the monarchy despite concerns expressed by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights (UNHCR).

Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Saturday that a 16-year-old who has been accused of violating Section 112 would be sent to the juvenile court.

He said the government did not restrict freedom of speech and peaceful protests, but those activities could not be allowed to affect national security.

The government is hoping that the public will accept the reconciliation committee that they claim will bring peace to the country.

The UNHCR, which oversees implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, has expressed dismay at the move by Thai authorities to charge at least 35 protesters, including a child, with lèse majesté under Section 112.

The UN rights body called on the government to stop bringing serious criminal charges against individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.