Thailand: the Appeals Court verdict in the Somchai Neelapaijit case: was justice delivered?

Thailand: the Appeals Court verdict in the Somchai Neelapaijit case: was justice delivered?

On 11th March 2011, the Court of Appeals rendered a verdict acquitting all five police officers accused of abducting, killing and “disappearing” prominent Muslim lawyer, Somchai Neelapaijit. This decision has important consequences not only for the Somchai case itself, but for broader issues of justice, human rights and rule of law in Thailand. The Justice for Peace Foundation (JPF) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) will be holding a public event to examine key legal and political issues concerning this case, from 12:00 – 15:00 on 17th March at the FCCT. The event will be in Thai and English, with simultaneous translation. It will feature a film of Somchai’s last public speech the night before his enforced disappearance, followed by speakers:

  • Angkhana and Pratabjit Neelapaijit, widow and daughter of Somchai
  • Vitit Muntarborn, Professor, Chulalongkorn University, UN human rights expert
  • Roger Normand, ICJ Asia Pacific Director

Their brief presentations will be followed by an extended question-and-answer session. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Thailand-judgement Somchai Neelapajit case-agenda-2011-eng (full text in English, PDF)

Thailand-judgement Somchai Neelapajit case-agenda-2011-tha (full text in Thai, PDF)

Belarus: ICJ calls for an end to harassment of lawyers

Belarus: ICJ calls for an end to harassment of lawyers

The ICJ today expressed its concern at the increasing instances of harassment and persecution of lawyers in Belarus following the recent suppression of protests at the outcome of the presidential elections.

The attacks include the initiation and endorsement of disbarment proceedings against lawyers by the Ministry of Justice and attempts to stifle their exercise of freedom of expression.

Belarus-harassment-lawyers-news-2011 (full text, PDF)

Belarus-harassment-lawyers-news-2011-rus (full text in Russia, PDF)

 

ICJ observes hearing in prosecution of Dagestan lawyer

ICJ observes hearing in prosecution of Dagestan lawyer

The ICJ observed a hearing on the investigation of criminal charges against Sapiyat Magomedova, a lawyer in the Republic of Dagestan, Russian Federation.

Sapiyat Magomedova was charged with “insult of a representative of state power” for allegedly assaulting several police officers. Contrary to the charges, she alleges that she was attacked and severely beaten by the officers.

Russia-lawyertrial-web story-2010 (full text, PDF)

Russia-lawyertrial-web story-2010-rus (full text in Russian, PDF)

 

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