The United Nations on Thursday (8/8) said the dissolution of Thailand's main opposition party, the Move Forward Party (MFP), was “deeply disturbing” and had serious implications for fundamental freedoms.
Thailand's highest court, the Constitutional Court, unanimously ruled on Wednesday to dissolve the MFP, the vanguard of the country's pro-democracy youth movement, and barred its executive board members from politics for 10 years.
“This decision has serious implications for freedom of expression and association, as well as the right of people to participate in public affairs and political life in Thailand,” UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.
“No party or politician should face such punishment for peacefully advocating for legal reform, especially in support of human rights.”
The MFP won first place in last year's general election after promising to reform Thailand's strict royal defamation laws.
Calling the court's move “deeply disturbing,” Turk said UN human rights mechanisms have long expressed concerns about Thailand's lese-majeste law, saying it is inconsistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“I call on the government to find a way to ensure a vibrant, strong and inclusive democracy that promotes and respects the rights to freedom of expression and association, and to end the use of lese-majeste laws to suppress critical voices,” Turk said.
“Diversity of voices and opinions is fundamental to ensuring respect and protection of human rights and achieving peaceful social and economic development.” (ab/ps)
