Angkhana urges leniency for NDM hunger striker
A MEMBER of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday expressed concern over the health of an activist who is on a hunger strike after being arrested on the eve of Sunday’s referendum for distributing leaflets advocating a “No” vote.
Angkhana Neelaphaijit also urged arrested activist Jatupat Boonpataraksa to take care of his health after five days without food.
Jatupat, 25, also known as “Phai Daodin”, was arrested on Saturday in Chaiyaphum along with Wasan Prommanee, 20, another activist from the New Democracy Movement (NDM).
They were charged with violating the Referendum Act and resisting an official order after they refused to be interrogated or sign documents in connection with their arrest.
Wasan was later released on bail of Bt150,000, but Jatupat did not request temporary release.
“A hunger strike is a show of civil disobedience that is acceptable universally,” Angkhana said. “Phai Daodin is staging a hunger strike because he believes he is doing the right thing. But he also has to be concerned about his life.”
She also urged public prosecutors not to pursue the case against the arrested activists. “They are not criminals and their case stems from their opinions that differ from that of the government and most people in the country. This case should be dropped for the sake of reconciliation,” she said.
National Council for Peace and Order spokesman Colonel Piyapong Klinpan said yesterday that a medical examination would be conducted if Jatupat has a health problem.
“There should be no worries. Authorities provide care and attention to him while in detention. There is food, medicine and daily necessities for him. We take good care of him,” Piyapong said.
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