Despite permission from local military, a Thai university has barred Amnesty International (AI) from playing a documentary about racial persecution in Africa, citing improper timing.
On 9 November, deputy dean of Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Science canceled a film session held by the AI. The AI planned to play “White Shadow,” a documentary film about persecution against albinos in East Africa which has no involvement at all with Thailand’s political situation.
An AI’s staff Petcharat Saksiriwetkun told Prachatai that she has already been granted a permission from local military to host the event. A military officer also said he will attend the session out of his interest.
The university, however, ordered to cancel the session itself, citing time appropriateness and the concern that so many people might attend the session that the university cannot handle.
Petcharat added it is sad that even though the military has already allowed the activity, the university, which should be a space for education and academic freedom, performed self-censorship itself.
