IFJ Condemns Thailand's Laws to Block Free Expression

 

 

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the detention in Thailand of an Australian writer accused of offending the monarchy in a novel published several years ago.

 

Harry Nicolaides was detained on August 31 as he was about to board a flight to Australia, and has been held in a remand centre in Bangkok to await trial, according to news reports.

 

He is accused under Thailand’s lese majeste laws of offending the country’s monarchy in a novel released three years ago. Fifty copies were printed, according to news reports.

 

The case underscores the IFJ’s concerns about Thailand’s severe and anachronistic lese majeste laws and the manner in which they are used frequently by power-holders to silence criticism.

 

“Thailand’s harsh lese majeste laws are commonly used by people in power – or those seeking it – to limit freedom of expression and shut down voices of dissent in the country,” IFJ Asia-Pacific.

 

“The laws underlie widespread self-censorship among Thailand’s population, and impede independent and critical reporting by both local and foreign journalists in the country. Even reporting on lese majeste cases puts the media at risk of repeating the alleged offence.

 

“The IFJ condemns the continued application of lese majeste laws against those who seek to express their views freely.”

 

Thailand's lese majeste laws are among the strictest in the world. The constitution dictates reverence for the King must not be violated, while the criminal code allows for a penalty of three to 15 years’ jail for “defaming, insulting or threatening” the King, Queen, Heir-apparent or Regent. Lese majeste complaints can be filed by any individual and police are required to investigate all complaints.

 

While the King made a public statement in 2005 that he could indeed be criticised, complaints continue to be filed.

 

The IFJ calls on authorities to drop the case and release Nicolaides immediately.

 

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

 

The IFJ represents over 600,000 in 122 countries worldwide