The
Thai government will not release details of the draft decree for amnesty before
it is endorsed by the palace, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said
Thursday, adding that it needed to be kept confidential to avoid public debate.
"Every pardon is granted at each
government's discretion and there is no law dictating that every pardon should
be the same," he said in his rebuttal to an urgent motion filed by the
Democrats.
Chalerm said the decree would be within legal
boundaries and that the draft was not designed to favour a single individual,
like former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
He added that the government was relying on a
draft prepared by a Justice Ministry panel that was formed under the previous
Democrat-led administration.
The draft is being kept confidential due to
several factors, such as an incomplete drafting process and vetting by the Council
of State, he said, adding that he could face impeachment proceedings if he
disclosed details about a Cabinet debate held behind closed doors.
Chalerm added that a debate on the subject
could cause confusion because the enforcement of pardon provisions might differ
from the draft. He said there were several cases in which royal clemency was
granted despite opposition from the Justice Ministry.
Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtaey said he wanted
an explanation as to why the government had departed from the legal tradition
of granting pardon to a broader group of individuals rather than just those
sentenced by the judiciary. He voiced suspicion that the new classification was
meant to apply to fugitives like Thaksin.
He also criticised Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
and said she was being irresponsible by finding a pretext to stay away from the
Cabinet debate.
Meanwhile, Tul Sitthisomwong, leader of the
multi-coloured shirts, lodged a complaint with the Council of State against the
draft decree. He said opponents of the decree would hold a rally at Lumpini
Park today to air their opposition to pardoning Thaksin.
Rak Santi Party leader Purachai Piumsombun
said the Cabinet debate on pardon should not be kept confidential because it
would have an impact on a large number of people.
"Thaksin was a police cadet and should
remain a gentleman," he said, adding that royal pardon should only be
granted to those who show remorse and are not fugitives. He added that during
his time as interior minister in Thaksin's reign, he had advised against pardon
sought by a daughter for her fugitive father.
News Desk
The Nation (Thailand)
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