The People’s Alliance for Democracy has disbanded. Suriyasai Katasila was quoted in the media as saying that it has served its purpose, but apparently there was also a rift in the coalition due to differing perspectives on the coup.
Meanwhile, the Campaign for Popular Media Reform (CPMR) issued a statement calling for the immediate lifting of the gag against the media. Read below the statement released by CPMR through its Secretary General Supinya Klangnarong.
Campaign for Popular Media Reform (CPMR) express our concern about military coup against freedom of expression in Thailand.
CPMR sincerely regrets for the military coup and the abolition of 1997 Constitution.
Eventhough we had been realising that the administration ruled by disposed Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinnawatra was vigorously violating the principle of democracy and civil rights but we
consider the military coup is not a democratic solution either.CPMR is truly disappointed if this would dismiss the principle of Article 39, Article 40 and Article 41 under the Constitution which reaffirms press freedom, freedom of expression and the principle guaranteed that broadcasting media and telecommunication are public resources.
CPMR deeply concerns that Administrative Reform Council (ARC) was occupying and forcing national television stations for the coup and showing attempt to block the freedom of_exprerssion which would replicate the crisis in the past.
CPMR firmly address a statement to ARC, if they are sincerely heading the country for the sake of democracy and political reform in Thailand;
1. Remain and Uphold the principle of free press, freedom of expression, right to know and free flow of information, according to Article 39,40,41 as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights(ICCPR), Article 19.
2. Abolish the Martial law and let citizens freely exercise their political rights and liberty.
3. Stop blocking the free flow of information inside and outside Thailand.
4. Encourage the existence of community radios and all kind of media in order to work fairly under a climate of freedom from fear
5. Bring back the political power to the people as quickly as possible.
With respect in civil liberty and media freedom regardless of any political circumstances,
Campaign for Pupular Media Reform (CPMR)
21 September 2006
xfullman 