Chalerm and police chief avoid NHRC hearing again
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Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and the national police chief failed to show up to testify to the National Human Rights Commission Monday on the government's imposition of the Internal Security Act to control an anti-government rally last month.
They sent representatives instead to inform the NHRC about handling of the Pitak Siam rally on November 24.
It was the second time an NHRC subcommittee has called Chalerm and Adul to explain after they postponed an appearance at the NHRC on 7 December.
NHRC subcommittee chairman Niran Pitakwatchara is reviewing four actions by the government – denying access to the rally site, using excessive force and teargas against protesters, blocking ambulances from servicing the injured, and arresting news crews on duty.
Pornchart Bunnag from the National Security Council represented Chalerm, while Deputy Police Chief Worapong Chiewpreecha represented National Police chief Gen Adul Saengsingkaew clarifying to the NHRC. They insisted that the government was justified in invoking the Internal Security Act.
The Nation
