The Administrative Court on Saturday early morning ruled to guarantee the right to freedom of assembly of the civil rights marchers. However, the march organisers still face charges for violating a junta order.
The court said it is believed that the police had attempted to obstruct the marchers from using their right to assembly. This made the organisers feel scared to follow their rally plan, the court said.
The court, therefore, ruled that the police must stop intimidating the marchers and instead facilitate the march.
However, despite the Administrative Court’s ruling, eight organisers are still facing charges of violating the junta’s order prohibiting a political gathering of more than five people and will soon report to the police.
The People Go Network, the march organisers, on Saturday announced the eight had postponed their appointment with the police to hear the charges from 28 Jan to 31 Jan.
The eight are Lertsak Kumkongsak, Anusorn Unno, Nimit Tienudom, Somchai Krachangsaeng, Sangsiri Teemanka, Nuchanat Thaenthong, Ubon Yoowa and Jumnong Nuphan.
We Walk, A Walk for Friendship kicked off on Jan 20 at Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus. Marchers will walk for about 450 kilometres to their destination in Khon Kaen. The rally is aimed at highlighting the impacts of junta’s policies on social security, agriculture, natural resources and freedom of expression.
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