Restrict the use of martial courts: EU

 

In a statement, it expressed concerns about the continued use of military courts to try civilians.

It was also concerned about detention without judicial overview. It noted that Thailand, as a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), has a duty to bring suspects promptly before a judge.

"As a friend and partner of Thailand, the EU has repeatedly called for the democratic process to be restored and for martial law to be lifted. Rule of Law and the protection and promotion of Human Rights are crucial elements for stability and progress."

Two days ago, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed concerns on the proposed amendment of the 1955 Act on the Organisation of Military Courts, saying this could allow military commanders to detain both military personnel and civilians for up to 84 days without judicial oversight.

  This proposal was put forward to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) recently. 

“Detention without judicial review breaches the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [ICCPR], to which Thailand is a state party. Under Article 9, a person detained on suspicion of a criminal offence is to be brought promptly before a judge. The Human Rights Committee that oversees the ICCPR has interpreted ‘promptly’ to mean within a few days,” Rupert Colville, the United Nations’ OHCHR spokesperson, said in a statement issued from Geneva on Tuesday.