Council urges people to stop threatening judges

In a statement released yesterday, the council also called on the judges to make their ruling in line with the Constitution and relevant laws, without any bias, be it based on love, hatred, delusion or fear.
“Some groups or members of certain political parties have either spoken publicly or rallied in a public place to make threats, put pressure or say things to influence the judges to make a ruling that will benefit them and their associates,” the statement said.
“When the court makes a decision that benefits them, these people will praise the court as a champion of neutrality and justice, but if the verdict has a negative impact on them, then they will accuse the court of being biased and lacking in justice. The Lawyers Council of Thailand has been following developments about this matter with concern.”
The statement, released by the council’s vice president on policy and planning, Jesada Anucharee, said that though the Constitution grants people the right to express themselves, it is against the law to threaten judges and interfere with their work. The council added that these people were also threatening the judiciary, which is a key pillar to the country’s democratic regime.
“If the Constitution Court can be influenced by threat or pressure, the judges will be suspected of making a biased verdict,” the statement said.
“The Lawyers Council of Thailand calls for an end to these threats, pressure and attempts to influence the Constitution Court so it can make its verdict freely and fairly, in line with the 2007 Constitution. We support the Constitution Court to deliver a verdict without prejudice caused by love, hatred, delusion or fear.”