Slain Muslim lawyer named Asia’s top rights defender

[sonz]

A Thai Muslim lawyer, who was killed by government officials, was named Asia’s top “human rights defender” by a regional rights watchdog.

Last month, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra admitted that Somchai Neelapaijit was killed by government officials in 2004.

Somchai, who was 53 when last seen alive 23 months ago, had publicly accused police forces of torturing four of his Muslim clients while in custody.

The Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission named Somchai recipient of a Human Rights Defender Award "in recognition of his tireless efforts to bring justice to victims of human rights abuses in Thailand, for which he ultimately sacrificed his life".

“Even in death, Somchai continues to be at the centre of demands for accountability and justice,” AHRC said.

“Somchai has become a symbol of tremendous importance for the movement against forced disappearances not only in Thailand but indeed throughout Asia,” it added.

Somchai’s wife, Angkhana Neelapaijit, will receive the award in Bangkok on her husband’s behalf on March 11, the second anniversary of his kidnapping, the AHRC said.

Only one police officer was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison last month over Somachai’s disappearance. Four other policemen were cleared of all charges, drawing criticism from rights activists who demanded the government to bring more serious charges against those responsible for the lawyer’s death.

Source: AFP