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Commission challenges shutdown of television station

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Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disputed a state agency’s decision to pull a “redshirt-operated television station off the air.


Thailand's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disputed a state agency's decision to pull a "redshirt-operated television station off the air, calling the move an unjustified violation of freedom of expression.

The article in Khaosod English reported that Peace TV's license was revoked last month by Thailand's media regulatory board, the National Broadcasting Telecommunication Commission (NBTC).

NBTC officials said the channel had violated junta orders that forbid media from inciting violence or causing "divisions in the Kingdom."

Redshirt leaders later filed a complaint to the NHRC and asked it to investigate the ruling.

NHRC director Niran Pitakwachara told Khaosod English that the committee believes the shut-down order was delivered without due process or cause.

"We have not found any content [on Peace TV] that incited unrest or divisions," Niran said. "The reason cited in the [NBTC's] explanation does not match the station's news. It is a judgement that violates the liberty and rights of expression of media agencies."

"Furthermore, the NBTC never allowed the accused to explain their cases."

Date: 20 May 2015

Source: Khaosod English