The Deputy junta head said that a key member of a progressive anti-junta law academic group might be prosecuted with the Draft Referendum Act for campaigning for ‘vote no’.
At the Government House, Bangkok, on Monday at 2:30 pm, 25 July 2016, Wisanu Krue-ngam, Deputy junta head, told media that 43 civil society groups and academics who gathered to voice opposition against the draft constitution in the public forum at Thammasat University on Sunday would not be charged with the controversial Draft Referendum Act, Matichon Online reported.
He said that he has not observed the speeches of the representatives of the 43 in details, but from his understanding they merely expressed opinions against the draft constitution peacefully.
Wisanu, however, said that Worachet Pakeerut, a courageous member of Nitirat group, an association of anti-juta law academic group, who was one of the main speakers of the event, might be prosecuted with Article 61 of the Draft Referendum Act.
He told media that Worachet told the audience while he was on stage that they should ‘vote no’ against the draft constitution, which could be viewed as violation of the Draft Referendum Act.
Under the controversial Article 61 of the Draft Referendum Act, anyone who publishes or distributes content about the draft constitution which deviates from the facts, contains rude and violent language, or threateningly discourages voters from participating in the referendum, could face up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to 200,000 baht and loss of electoral rights for five years.
In an aftermath of the 2014 coup d’état, Worachet was accused of twice defying the coup makers’ orders to report in.
The military prosecutor filed two charges against Worachet for defying NCPO Orders No. 5/2014, issued on 24 May 2014, and No. 57/2014, issued on 9 June 2014. On 10 June 2014, Worachet’s wife reported on his behalf that Worachet was sick and would meet with the military later. On 16 June 2014, the police arrested Worachet when he voluntarily flew back from Hong Kong.
He is currently facing trial under the Military Court for the charges.
Worachet Pakeerut (centre), a courageous member of Nitirat group, an association of anti-juta law academic group (file photo)
