THE June 24 Democracy Group ended their rally in front of the UN office around noon today (Dec. 10) after handing over their petition to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to pressure the Thai government to repeal Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law, Thai Rath newspaper reported this afternoon.
Receiving the petition from the protesters was Mr. Badar Farrukh, team leader of OHCHR in Thailand.
Farrukh discussed this law with the protesters and enquired about their safety while expressing concern for them.
He added that his office will now collect information from the protesters to prepare an annual report for submission to a meeting in Geneva in May and urged them to follow up on this issue.
He also confirmed that he had sent a representative to talk to the Thai government about permitting freedom of expression and also ensuring their safety.
A few other activities are also taking place today which is Thai Constitution Day and International Human Rights Day with the common purpose being to get Section 112 of the Criminal Code repealed
At the October 14 Memorial, Khok Wua intersection, a statement on this issue was read by the protest leaders with Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, and Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, being among them.
They then joined a panel discussion organized by the Thammasat Alliance and Rally and the Mob Fest group from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In addition, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. there will be a rally to call for rights and freedom of disabled people in front of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security as well.
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The rally outside the UN office in Bangkok this morning and protest leaders issuing a statement calling for the repeal of Section 112 of the Criminal Code. Photos: Thai Rath
