Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) wishes to forward to you the following open letter from the May 18 Memorial Foundation in Korea.

Asian Human Rights Commission
Hong Kong

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AHRC-FOL-004-2008
February 22, 2008

An Open Letter from The May 18 Memorial Foundation forwarded by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)

THAILAND: Korean foundation expresses concern for security of Thai witnesses

February 22, 2008

Sompong Amornvivat
Minister of Justice
Office of the Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Justice Building
22nd Floor, Software Park Building,
Chaeng Wattana Road
Pakkred, Nonthaburi
Bangkok 11120
THAILAND

Fax: +662 502 6699/ 6734 / 6884
Tel: +662 502 6776/ 8223

Dear Hon. Sompong Amomvivat,

Our office, the May 18 Memorial Foundation was alerted by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) on your plan to cease providing protection from personnel of your Department of Special Investigation from 29 February 2008 to Ms. Angkhana Neelaphaijit and to at least three other victims of alleged police brutalities.

Ms. Angkhana Neelaphaijit was awarded the 2006 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights for her role and campaign on brining to justice for disappearance of her husband, human rights lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit.

It was a police officer who was sentenced to three years in jail, although his accomplices and the masterminds of the crime have never been identified, we find it appalling that the duty of protecting the aggrieved party will be provided for by the police force which is being held liable to and accountable to the disappearance of Somchai Neelaphaijit.

We call on your office this decision and instead continue and improve your support in protection to witnesses and victims of alleged crimes and brutalities committed by the police force.

We strongly encourage you to perform your duty as enforcer of justice, to deliver it judiciously without prejudice taking into great consideration the welfare of those who are seeking justice and redress of their grievances.

Sincerely,

Honggil Rhee
Chairman
The May 18 Memorial Foundation

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About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.