4th May 2012 – Somyot Prueksakasemsuk is a Trade Unionist, Activist and journalist in Thailand who has been held in jail since April 2011 claiming he has defamed the king.
This letter is to the prime minister of Thailand.
Your Excellency,
We the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) write to you to express our anger at the continued detention of Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, a Trade Unionist, Activist and journalist, on false charges of l’lese majeste’ (defaming the King).
He has been held in remand since April 2011 and has been denied bail nine times despite the charges against him not being proven, with expert witnesses testifying that the articles which appear in the magazine ‘The Voice of Thaksin’ do not refer to the King.
We belive Somyot Prueksakasemsuk has the right to a fair trial, which is currently being denied him and other human rights defenders in Thailand despite their legitimate rights to freedom of association and expression.
We insist on the immediate, unconditional release of Somyot Prueksakasemsuk as well as an end to the harassment of activists in Thailand who are carrying out their legitimate activities for the benefit of all Working class people, people who should not live in fear of the states reprisals and intimidation through its government, judicial system or security forces.
We look forward to hearing positive news on these human rights abuses
Yours Sincerely,
Andy Smith, International Solidarity Liaison Officer