'We must try to rid society of its fear'

DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD GET ARRESTED OR DID YOU INTEND TO PROVOKE THE AUTHORITIES?

I took part in the event and didn’t think I would get arrested. We were expressing ourselves creatively and peacefully, and were not directly opposing the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

We wanted last year’s elections to be recalled. I didn’t think I would get arrested.

 

WHY MAKE A MOVE NOW, SOME NINE MONTHS AFTER THE COUP?

That’s not exactly accurate. Our group has been organising activities all along [since the coup]. I believe citizens have the right to express themselves peacefully and this is the purpose of our group. We must try to rid society of its fear. 

 

SOME SAY THERE ARE TOO FEW PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO PUBLICLY CHALLENGE THE COUP-MAKERS AND THAT IT’S FUTILE TO RESIST. HOW ACCURATE IS THIS VIEW?

I think it must start with confidence that what we are doing is, in fact, not illegal but is our right. Though we are under a military regime, we still need to express ourselves politically and I insist that this – an assembly of more than five people – is not illegal.

 

HOW HAVE THE CHARGES AGAINST YOU COMPLICATED YOUR WORK AS A HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER?

When I visited my clients in prison [after the incident], they expressed their concern. I’m handling a number of cases, including those of people facing lese majeste charges. These people are worried that the NCPO will exploit this situation by ensuring that I am not fully able to defend my clients in court. Most of my work essentially involves resisting the power of the military junta, anyhow.

I am concerned that if I can’t function as a defence lawyer for them, and am replaced, the substitute lawyer may not be able to pick up where I left off. 

 

WHAT DO YOU PUT MORE WEIGHT ON? YOURSELF AS A LAWYER OR AS A DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN-RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER?

I believe a human-rights lawyer is innately an activist. When defending a case, we must look at the big picture and also campaign for our clients, but within the framework of our profession. I don’t think I can say I only accord importance to the strictly attorney side of my life.

 

Are you prepared to go behind bars? Is it part of your scheme to attract public attention?

I am ready to face prison for my principles. I refuse to do any bargaining, as our aim is to end this climate of fear. 

 

HAVE YOU DETECTED ANY IMPACT IN RELATION TO YOU AND YOUR COMRADES’ ACTIONS, WHICH LED TO YOU AND THREE OTHERS BEING ARRESTED?

I think people are becoming less afraid [of the junta]. On the weekend after we gathered, some people took to the streets at Victory Monument to make a point. 

 

WILL YOU BE DEFENDING YOURSELF IN COURT?

Yes, it is my intention to represent myself in military court as a lawyer. Perhaps some lawyers would also be enlisted to defend me too.

 

Note: Shortly after the interview, an Army officer lodged a police complaint that accused Anon of violating the Computer Crimes Act for five comments he posted on Facebook.