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 EU calls for return of human rights after deadly Thai clashes
As Thailand adjusted to a new calm on its streets, the EU added its voice, on 21 May, to worldwide condemnations of the unrest in Bangkok, in which 15 people have died, including an Italian photographer. The EU’s High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said she was «deeply saddened by the loss of life» and reflected that «the violence has solved nothing, but only harmed Thailand and its people, by deepening divisions rather than healing them».
The Thai government promised an investigation into the handling of demonstrations by ‘Red Shirt’ protesters, which quickly descended into a tense stand-off with the Thai Royal Army and ended with live fire clashes.
European victims included an Italian photographer who was shot dead and a British newspaper journalist who was shot and injured. A Canadian journalist was also shot during a live broadcast for the France 24 television channel. He is currently in hospital being treated for multiple bullet wounds. In total two journalists have been killed and six injured.
“It is with great sadness that I have learnt about the death of Fabio Polenghi, an Italian journalist, during these events,” said European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek. “This should remind us of the risks run by representatives of the media around the world that strive to give us accurate and free information,” he added.
MEPs called for a return to rights of freedom of expression and for a speedy settlement of the crisis, in a resolution passed on 20 May. They noted that the state of emergency had imposed restrictions on journalists and called for a swift resumption of free reporting and urged the authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation.
EPP MEP Thomas Mann called on the EU to be involved in talks. «Even in the current situation, there is no alternative to negotiations. The EU should use its capability to take a more active part and to act as a mediator,” he said. Ashton said: «I stand ready to help in the process of building consensus towards national reconciliation.»
S&D Vice President Véronique de Keyser added that: «Elections should be called in order to avoid the risk of a rebellion of the north against the south of the country.» They are currently scheduled for 14 November.
The Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), based in Brussels, called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the shootings and appealed for an assurance from the Thai authorities to ensure the safety of reporters in future.
“Covering civil unrest in Thailand is always dangerous, but for months, neither side in the political turmoil has been willing to address ways of allowing journalists to do their jobs without fear of being killed or injured,” said Bob Dietz, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator. “The government must fully investigate the killing of Fabio Polenghi, including all evidence and ballistics to determine who was responsible for his death and bring them to justice.”
(2010-05-21/ europolitics)
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