The Asia Democracy Network (ADN), in coordination with Article 19 and CIVICUS, expressed concern over the arrests of 15 protesters from the “We Want to Vote” movement in Thailand and charges later brought against an additional 47 peaceful protestors. On the fourth anniversary of the military coup, protesters took to the streets on May 22, 2018 to call for an end to military rule and to demand that the government hold free and fair elections in November. The protestors were charged with “sedition,” “breach of peace,” and for participating in a political gathering of more than five people.

The events provide yet another example of the country’s military junta utilizing oppressive laws to stifle freedom of expression and of assembly and association. “These human rights violations are taking place in the context of the Thai government’s repeated failure to fulfill promises to hold elections and restore democratic norms,” the joint-statement noted. The organizations called upon the government to drop the charges against peaceful protesters, reform oppressive laws, and commit to holding free and fair elections to restore democracy in Thailand. Read the full statement here and share this Tweet to join the ADN’s call for justice in Thailand.