LESE MAJESTE <\/p>\n
Thammasat University's decision to bar the Nitirat group from using its campuses for activities related to the lese majeste law has sparked a fierce debate over its stance on freedom of expression. <\/p>\n
Thammasat rector Somkit Lertpaithoon yesterday defended the university executive committee's decision. <\/p>\n
In a message posted on his Facebook page, he said the ban was intended to prevent any incidents which could escalate into violence such as the massacre of left-wing students at Thammasat's Bangkok campus on Oct 6, 1976. <\/p>\n
\"Many people have expressed disagreement with my decision to prohibit the Nitirat group from campaigning against Section 112 at the university,\" he posted. \"This could be seen as a restriction on free speech. This is understandable. <\/p>\n
\"But I want you to look at another angle. University executives had to enact this measure out of worry that the situation could escalate into a second Oct 6.\" <\/p>\n
Thammasat's vice-rector Parinya Thewanaruemitkul, however, insisted the university should protect the right to exercise academic freedom and free speech within the law because that is what it has always done. <\/p>\n
\"I may disagree with the Nitirat group on several issues but its rights should be respected and protected,\" he said. <\/p>\n
An association of five human rights organisations yesterday demanded Thammasat rescind the ban order. <\/p>\n
\"That the university bans any activity by its own lecturers in the name of the Nitirat group to campaign for the amendment of Article 112 ... is a breach of the objectives prescribed for a state educational institution and noble tradition of a university to promote academic freedom and the right to freedom of expression,\" the groups said. <\/p>\n
Thammasat is a model for the struggle for human rights, freedom, equality and justice. The subjugation of democratic and legal rights is an act against its own spirit, they said. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, King Prajadipok Institute's Society's alumni body yesterday demanded Nitirat call off its campaign and urged Thammasat University to \"control the behaviours and actions <\/p>\n
[of the group] that has led to division in the country\". <\/p>\n
The society said Thammasat should \"prevent this group of persons from exploiting the university's reputation for their own interest\". <\/p>\n
If the group doesn't stop their actions, society would respond with measures \"from light to drastic\". <\/p>\n
\"This is not about laws, but about the faith,\" the alumni body said. <\/p>\n
Pheu Thai list MP and red shirt co-leader Jatuporn Prompan yesterday urged the Nitirat group to think again about its opposition to the lese majeste law. <\/p>\n
Mr Jatuporn said the move could backfire as vested interests who lost the election last year cite its campaign as an excuse to try to overthrow democracy again. <\/p>\n
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Read this article: LESE MAJESTE Thammasat University's decision to bar the Nitirat group from using its campuses for activities related to the lese majeste law has sparked a fierce debate over its stance on freedom of expression. Thammasat rector Somkit Lertpaithoon yesterday defended the university executive committee's decision. In a message posted on his Facebook page, he said the ban was intended to prevent any incidents which could escalate into violence such as the massacre of left-wing students at Thammasat's Bangkok campus on Oct 6, 1976 Continue reading
\nThammasat ban on Nitirat sparks free speech row<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"