Amnesty’s statement after the death of a child shot at the Samliam Din Daeng Intersection, reiterating that the perpetrators must be brought to justice
28 October 2021
Amnesty International Thailand
Amnesty International Thailand extends its deepest condolence for the loss of life of a child shot at the Samliam Din Daeng Intersection and demand the Thai authorities expedite its effort on par with international standards to investigate the shootings of protesters including children and youth while converging at the Din Daeng Police Station on the past 16 August in order to bring to justice the perpetrators.
Today (28 October 2021), Ms. Nipaphon Somnoi, mother of Warit Somnoi, a 15-year-old child who was shot at the Samliam Din Daeng Intersection has told that Warit has passed away after fighting for his life for over two months.
Piyanut Kotsan, Director of Amnesty International Thailand, said that she extends her condolence to the family of the slain boy and reiterated that the use of live ammunitions against protesters is very concerning. The Thai authorities need to urgently investigate the shootings against the protesters who are children and youth at the Samliam Din Daeng Intersection and all cases of the unlawful use of firearms. The police have to protect the rights of peaceful protesters to prevent them from being interfered or inflicted with violence by any third party.
“Even though the youth has gone, but the investigation process to fathom the truths in this case has to continue. The Thai authorities have to investigate the incidence and bring to justice any person who has inflicted physical harm on the protesters or the persons responsible for such incidence.”
Background
According to reports, on 30 September, the police have made the arrest of a suspect who has allegedly fired at the 15-year-old boy at the mouth of Soi Pracha Songkhrao 14 and toward the Din Daeng Police Station resulting in the seriously injured boy. From initial inquiry, the suspect pleads not guilty to all charges.
