Article 71

MISSING MUSLIM LAWYER/WIFE'S APPEAL

Law Society backs demand for DSI to probe fate of Somchai

ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA

The Law Society of Thailand is backing the demand by the wife of missing Muslim lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) take over the investigation into her husband's fate.

Angkana Neelaphaijit made her demand on Sept 23, saying police had made little progress in their inquiry.

Law society vice president Samak Chouvaparnante said yesterday it was 201 days since Mr Somchai disappeared, but police have found no trace of him.

``[Mrs Angkana] is unhappy with the police effort and feels the DSI could better ensure justice and transparency,'' he said.

Mr Somchai vanished on March 11 on his way to a friend's house in Lam Sali after leaving the Chaleena hotel, Hua Mark.

Only days earlier he had offered to defend Muslim men accused of involvement in the Jan 4 looting of weapons from an army camp in Narathiwat. The suspects were suspected members of the Jemaah Islamiyah terror network.

Mr Somchai said police had tortured the suspects during interrogation and had threatened to expose the abuse.

Five police officers were arrested and charged with robbery and forcing Mr Somchai to cooperate with them by using threats of death or bodily harm. They are currently free on bail.

The Criminal Court started court proceedings against them in July, allowing Mrs Angkana to act as a co-plaintiff. The next hearing has been set for the plaintiff's witnesses at Narathiwat court on Nov 22.

Mr Samak said the DSI was considering Mrs Angkana's request.

The Law Society plans a public forum on Mr Somchai's case on Thursday at the society's office on Ratchadamnoen avenue. All parties involved are expected to attend, including government representatives, lawyers and human rights advocates.