U.N. Squawks at Thailand's Rout of Muslim Terrorists
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Friday, April 30, 2004GENEVA – The United Nations' human rights chief demanded Friday that Thailand investigate clashes in the south of the country that killed at least 113 people.
The investigation should be "swift and transparent," said Bertrand Ramcharan, the acting U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Security forces in southern Thailand killed 108 people, mostly young men wielding machetes, who attacked police and army posts on Wednesday. Three policemen and two soldiers were also killed in the bloodshed, the worst in years in Thailand.
Under U.N. treaties, security forces are "required to refrain from using force exceeding that strictly required by the exigencies of the situation," Ramcharan said. He said immediate action should be taken to ensure that everyone involved, including prisoners, are guaranteed their human rights.
Terrorists Again Exploit 'Mosque' as Fort
In one instance, Thai security forces opened fire with rocket-propelled grenades, automatic rifles and tear gas on militants holed up in a mosque, killing 32 people inside.
A Thai Foreign Ministry statement released Friday acknowledged that the death toll was "unfortunate," but defended the government's response.
"Given the scale and intensity and swiftness of the attacks ... strong and decisive action" was needed, it said.
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