People with different opinions must be allowed to speak freely: PEN International
Thai Centre – PEN International issued a statement on Wednesday calling on all parties involved in the political conflict to respect freedom of expression.
PEN International is a global association of writers that was created in 1921 to campaign for freedom of expression and uphold literature as a force of culture.
The statement said clashes between people with different viewpoints are escalating, and to avoid losses, the centre would like to ask all parties to stop using all types of violence, while the police should take care of people equally.
“The government, press, organisations and universities should create an atmosphere that allows people with different viewpoints to exchange their opinions based on reason and fact, without any hidden interests.”
The centre emphasised that backing opinions with fact and reason is key to solving violence and conflict in society.
“We hope all parties will pay respect to freedom of expression to maintain peace under a democratic system based on people’s safety and the country’s benefits,” the statement added.