NHRC inquires into torture allegations

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will visit four men who claim they were tortured while in military custody over their suspected involvement in a grenade attack on the Criminal Court, according to a report in the Bangkok Post.

NHRC member Niran Pitakwatchara said that a delegation from the Commission will meet with the men, currently held in Bangkok Remand Prison, to hear their allegations.

The NHRC's sub-panel on human and political rights will also conduct an investigation into the allegations, which have been denied by military and police officers.

The issue will be treated separately from legal proceeding against the suspects, which is being conducted by the police, Niran told the Bangkok Post.

Charnwit Jariyanukul, Wichai Yoosuk, Sansern Sriounruen and Norapat Lueapol are among 12 people arrested for their alleged involvement in throwing a RDG-5 grenade into the car park of the Criminal Court on 7 March 2015.

The Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre, a non-governmental organisation, revealed the complaints by the four men, including that they had been beaten and subjected to electric shocks by soldiers.

Date: 23 March 2015

Source: Bangkok Post