Victims worried about rehab scheme

Many victims in the South say that Article 21 of the Internal Security Act, which offers wrongdoers a chance to turn over a new leaf, might be a waste of time because there is no guarantee that the criminals will not return to their old ways.
“It is good to give them an opportunity to reform, but we are concerned that they might resume their violent ways after completing the six-month rehabilitation programme,” a Pattani resident said.
Despite being given a monetary compensation, many of the victims want the insurgents to be punished for the crimes under the judicial system, the resident said.
Article 21 gives insurgents an opportunity to opt for rehabilitation in lieu of prosecution under judicial supervision.
Though authorities say this provision will help pull insurgents away from violence, local residents are concerned about the impact this would have on the strife-torn region.
Sittipong Chantaraviroj, chairman of the Muslim Attorney Centre, said he did not believe that all insurgents could actually be integrated into society after undergoing rehabilitation.
He said he was particularly concerned that the authorities would rush to round up suspects for rehabilitation, which would compromise the judicial system because many would undergo the programme without remorse.
Instead, he said, the courts should rigorously check all evidence before granting rehabilitation and every confession should also be verified instead of being taken at face value.
In a report released last year, the International Commission of Jurists voiced concern about the broad coverage of Article 21, which says that people involved in rebellion, insurgency, criminal association, murder, arson and explosive devices were entitled to rehabilitation.
The ICJ said this blanket clause exempted most criminals from prosecution.
It also called on authorities to disclose details about the programme as well as the guidelines that are used to decide who should be allowed to avail of the scheme.
Charnchao Chaiyanukij, Justice Ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, said he understood that the ICJ was concerned about the impact Article 21 would have on the rule of law, especially as the government’s key priority was reconciliation.
He added that he was mapping out a comprehensive plan for the enforcement of Article 21 in the South and that it would address all issues and concerns.
He went on to say that the government would ensure that the victims are compensated and that the rehabilitated insurgents do really return to normal life.
Meanwhile, public prosecutor Vit Jirapaet said the intent of the law was to get rid of conditions that fuel insurgency, adding that many countries plagued by violence would try to resolve the problem in the same manner. He explained that if all insurgents faced jail, then none would want to surrender and the killings would never stop.