ID :
140520
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 19:01
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/140520
The shortlink copeid
Red Power magazine editor challenges CRES over media gag
BANGKOK, Sept 3 - Anti-government activist Somyot Prueksakasemsuk who edits Red Power Magazine affirmed Friday that his publication is living out its duty as media to inform public the truth, not distorting facts as accused by the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).
He said if his magazine was forced to close due to CRES decision, he would move his publishing house to the northern province of Chiang Mai, stronghold of the anti-government 'Red Shirt' group and continue publishing the magazine.
CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said earlier that CRES could seek legal action against or order the closure of publications that present distorted reports, incite disunity and produce reports that insult the royal institution.
He did not mention the name of newspapers or magazines which under the close watch of the authorities.
Mr Somyot said that Red Power magazine reported news in a straightforward manner, gave truthful information to the people, criticised unfair actions of the government and sought to resolve problems facing the public.
He claimed that his fortnightly magazine is popular with q circulation of 40,000 for each issue. The closure order should be considered as violating the freedom of the press.
If the government feels that the news reports from Red Power was instigating or inciting violence, it should respond via the government media or by sending a letter of complaint to the publication, rather than ordering its closure, he said.
If the government orders the banning of media, Mr Somyot said, he would petition the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or file a complaint at court, seeking damages and would appeal to the Constitution Court.
He may consider moving his publishing house to a province that has no emergency decree in force such as Chiang Mai.
Mr Somyot's earlier publication "The Voice of Thaksin", a magazine which he edited, was also banned under the emergency decree after May 19. (MCOT online news)
He said if his magazine was forced to close due to CRES decision, he would move his publishing house to the northern province of Chiang Mai, stronghold of the anti-government 'Red Shirt' group and continue publishing the magazine.
CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said earlier that CRES could seek legal action against or order the closure of publications that present distorted reports, incite disunity and produce reports that insult the royal institution.
He did not mention the name of newspapers or magazines which under the close watch of the authorities.
Mr Somyot said that Red Power magazine reported news in a straightforward manner, gave truthful information to the people, criticised unfair actions of the government and sought to resolve problems facing the public.
He claimed that his fortnightly magazine is popular with q circulation of 40,000 for each issue. The closure order should be considered as violating the freedom of the press.
If the government feels that the news reports from Red Power was instigating or inciting violence, it should respond via the government media or by sending a letter of complaint to the publication, rather than ordering its closure, he said.
If the government orders the banning of media, Mr Somyot said, he would petition the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or file a complaint at court, seeking damages and would appeal to the Constitution Court.
He may consider moving his publishing house to a province that has no emergency decree in force such as Chiang Mai.
Mr Somyot's earlier publication "The Voice of Thaksin", a magazine which he edited, was also banned under the emergency decree after May 19. (MCOT online news)
