Bangkok, human rights lawyer arrested for calling for reform of monarchy
Anon Nampa is a leading figure in recent anti-government demonstrations. The democratic movement also wants the resignation of the government, the end of the military dictatorship and a new constitution.
Bangkok (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Police yesterday arrested human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, for his role in recent anti-government demonstrations. On 3 August, during one of the many protests that are rocking the country, Nampa had asked for a reform of the monarchy. He was first detained by the police on 7 August, along with student leader Panupong Jasnok.
Nampa's attack on King Vajiralongkorn is an extraordinary occurrence: the sovereign is a sacred figure in Thailand, and offenses against him are punished with up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
In recent times, also due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, public pressure on Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has increased. The former commander-in-chief of the army came to power six years ago in a military coup.
Prayuth has led a civilian executive since last year, but his critics accuse him of rigging the elections that decreed the formal end of the military junta.
The demonstrators, mostly young students, are calling for the resignation of the government, the end of the dictatorship, a democratic reform of the Constitution and a review the monarchy’s political role.
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04/09/2020 12:12
