Tungkum urged to drop charges
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A rights group urged gold-mining company Tungkum to drop all defamation-related charges against six human rights defenders allegedly involved in erecting anti-gold-mining signs in the northeastern province of Loei.
The rights group demanded the charges dropped immediately and conditionally in a statement released today.
“The company is on a legal rampage to silence its critics,” said Amy Smith, Executive Director of Fortify Rights. “If Tungkum is truly concerned about its reputation, it should re-think its business and legal strategy and drop these charges.”
The Loei Provincial Court is expected to deliver a verdict this morning in a civil defamation case brought by Tungkum against the six individuals for erecting signs at the Na Nong Bong village entrance gate and along the main road within the village, calling for the closure of the controversial mine and rehabilitation of the local environment.
The six are core members of the Khon Rak Ban Kerd Group (KRBKG) - a community-based group committed to defending the local environment from negative impacts of the gold mine. The company seeks Bt50 million in compensation for alleged damage to the company’s reputation.
