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Thailand activists charged with ‘defamation’ after releasing torture report

Thailand has charged three human rights activists with “criminal defamation” after the release of a report documenting torture by the Thai military in the south of the country.

The three activists Pornpen Khongkachonkiet, Anchana Heemmina and Somchai Homlaor published their report based on 54 survivor accounts of torture whilst in military custody. They now face prison sentences.

Khongkachonkiet also serves as the chairperson of Amnesty International in Thailand.~

Amnesty International secretary general Salil Shetty said the charges were "a cruel paradox that they are harassing activists for exposing the abhorrent practice".

See more from the BBC here.

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