NHRC to hear Chalerm's testimony on protest

The NHRC is expected to complete its fact-finding probe within 30 days, before drawing its conclusion on alleged human-rights violations in connection with the rally.
Police fired tear-gas canisters and clashed with protesters at Makawan Rangsan Bridge near Government House on Saturday.
“Should abuses be found, the NHRC will make recommendations for relevant agencies to rectify the situation,” commission member Niran Pitakwatchara said.
Although the NHRC has no power to enforce its recommendations, it can initiate a judicial review on the victims’ behalf, he said.
NHRC chairwoman Amara Pongsapich said the upcoming hearing would get to the bottom of the matter.
Activist and Pitak Siam ally Boworn Yasinthorn called for the NHRC to petition the Administrative Court for a review of whether the government was justified in invoking the Internal Security Act.
Despite the Constitution Court ruling sanctioning the rally, the government denied the protesters their right to public assembly by citing the ISA, Boworn said.
He said the government had violated human rights through four actions – denying access to the rally site, using excessive force and tear gas against protesters, blocking ambulances from servicing the injured, and arresting news crews on duty.