A Statement from a group of Thai Human Rights NGOs

The denial of the right to temporary release of Mr. Somyot Pruksakasemsuk
and other accused in criminal cases

In pursuant to the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, labour activist and core members of the June 24 for Democracy and Editor of "Voice of Taksin" on the violation of Section 112 or lèse majesté law since 30 April 2011, and over the past ten months, his applications for temporary release have been turned down. Lately, Mr. Panithan Pruksakasemsuk, his son, has started a hunger strike to protest against the order of the Criminal Court to deny his father's bail though the request has been made seven times and sufficient deposit has been offered. His protest is aimed at demanding the right to temporary release of this father and the issue has been widely reported in media until now.

The undersigned human rights organizations deem that the right of an alleged offender or an accused to temporary release is a very pertinent issue in the criminal justice process. It has led to extensive controversies over what is appropriate or not. Therefore, we have the following opinions and proposals to make regarding the issue;

1. The right to temporary release is a universal and fundamental right that should be accorded equally to all human beings.

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