The NGO Amnesty International denounced Wednesday the indictment of at least 300 minors in Thailand for attending the wave of anti-government protests that took place in 2020 and demanding greater democracy in the Asian country.
It warned of the «serious repercussions» this could have for their future and said that «children with their whole lives ahead of them are now facing these consequences for simply participating in peaceful protests».
In this sense, Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong, NGO expert for Thai affairs, has asserted that some activists under 18 years of age risk «spending decades behind bars».
Thousands took part in these marches in 2020 to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan Ocha and a reform of the monarchy. The protests subsequently subsided due to the coronavirus pandemic and a crackdown by the authorities.
Amnesty said in a report that dozens of minors have been charged with violating the lèse-majesté law, which can carry prison sentences of up to 15 years and has been used by the authorities to quell protests and silence opponents. The youngest minor arrested during the demonstrations was 11 years old.
The NGO has expressed its concern about violence against minors in this context and has deplored the «intimidation techniques» used by the police, such as the pressure exerted on parents. It also warned that many of the demonstrators are at risk of abuse.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
