Worachet to challenge NCPO orders
Thammasat University law lecturer Worachet Pakeerut appeared before the Bangkok Military Court yesterday to examine his list of witnesses and evidence against a charge of defying an order of the National Council for Peace and Order to report himself to th
The charge against him carries a two-year jail term or a maximum fine of up to Bt40,000.
Worachet, also leader of the Nitirat group, told reporters at the court he and his lawyer would lodge a complaint to challenge the constitutionality of NCPO Order no 37 and 38 which placed his case under jurisdiction of the Bangkok Military Court.
He argued the order in question went against Article 4 of the provisional Constitution, which stated Thailand was bound by its commitment to treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
He claimed there was a problem with the court’s independence because the Bangkok Military Court was under the jurisdiction of the Defence Ministry. Also, he said that in a criminal case, the defendant should have the right to appeal.
The hearing yesterday attracted the attention of the media and envoys from the French and German embassies.
