Khaosod English — A military spokesperson has dismissed rumours that security officers locked a group of women and children inside a mosque while they searching for potential insurgents in the southern province of Songkhla last week.
Col. Pramote Prom-in, spokesperson of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), said yesterday that the allegation is an "attempt to distort information by certain individuals to accuse the officials of using excessive force."
Police question a group of men after a clash with suspected insurgents in Saba Yoi district, Songkhla province, 4 Dec 2014
According to the allegation, security officers herded a group of women and children into a mosque in Saba Yoi district during a gunfight with separatist insurgents on 4 December. The women and children were reportedly locked inside the mosque without food or water for hours.
However, Col. Pramote told reporters that soldiers placed the civilians inside the mosque for their own safety after armed militants started firing at security officers who were searching the village. He also said the civilians were treated with respect throughout their detention.
Read relate story:
Prachatai English is an independent, non-profit news outlet committed to covering underreported issues in Thailand, especially about democratization and human rights, despite pressure from the authorities. Your support will ensure that we stay a professional media source and be able to meet the challenges and deliver in-depth reporting.
• Simple steps to support Prachatai English
1. Bank transfer to account “โครงการหนังสือพิมพ์อินเทอร์เน็ต ประชาไท” or “Prachatai Online Newspaper” 091-0-21689-4, Krungthai Bank
2. Or, Transfer money via Paypal, to e-mail address: [email protected], please leave a comment on the transaction as “For Prachatai English”