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One year after Sulaiman’s death in army custody, justice being sought by relatives through civil suit

Press Release One year after Mr. Sulaiman Naesa’s death in army custody Justice being sought by relatives through a civil suit

One year ago, the Naesa family has forever lost their eldest son who was breadwinner for the family. His parents have filed a civil suit asking for compensation by invoking the Tort Liability of Officials Act B.E. 2539 (1996). They firmly believe that their son did not commit suicide.

Mr. Sulaiman Naesa was found dead with his body hanging by his neck from window grilles in one of the holding cells in the Reconciliation Promotion Center, Ingkhayudh Boriharn Army Camp, Pattani on 30 May 2010. Before that, he was arrested on 22 May 2010 while doing his job to fix a house in Hutaemajae Village, Tambon Kadunong, Saiburi district, Pattani and was taken to and held in custody at the Reconciliation Promotion Center for inquiry purpose. Visiting him every day, his relatives observed how Mr. Sulaiman Naesa has become feeble and weak. They were not allowed to speak to him, but only caught his sight. Mr. Sulaiman Naesa was held there for eight days for interrogation, after which his relatives were asked to retrieve his body. The officials at the Reconciliation Promotion Center claimed he committed a suicide.

Though his relatives and journalists were present during his autopsy, but given his suspicious signs during his being held in custody and it has given rise to many doubts about his death without forensic autopsy. For his post mortem inquest, the Court has scheduled the hearings to take place on 17 and 19 August 2011 and 20, 21, and 27 September 2011.

On Friday 27 May 2011, Mr. Sulaiman’s parents, with legal assistance from the Foundation of Muslim Attorney Centre (MAC) and Cross-Cultural Foundation (CrCF), have filed a civil lawsuit at the Provincial Court of Pattani against the Office of the Prime Minister (in charge of the Internal Security Operation Commands – ISOC) as 1^st defendant, Ministry of Defence, 2^nd defendant and Royal Thai Army as 3^rd defendant in a tort claim invoking the Tort Liability of Officials Act B.E. 2539 since their son, Mr. Sulaiman Naesa was found dead while being held in custody at the Reconciliation Promotion Center. The Provincial Court of Pattani shall hear the request for an exemption of court fee on 11 July 2011.