A human rights organization today called for a prompt and thorough investigation after police shot a 15-year-old anti-government protester in the back of the neck, sending the teenager into a coma.
Amnesty International Thailand issued a statement on Thursday to demand that Thai authorities urgently investigate the shooting on Monday that left a protester in critical condition. Although the Metropolitan Police Bureau insisted that they only used rubber bullets to disperse protesters, Amnesty International Thailand’s statement wrote that the bullet that lodged in the boy’s skull was “believed to be live ammunition.”
“The use of live ammunition against protesters is a deeply concerning development. The Thai authorities must urgently investigate the shootings of these child protesters, including any unlawful use of firearms,” said Emerlynne Gil, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Deputy Director.
“Thailand’s government must also investigate all reports of excessive and unnecessary force by police against protesters over the past year, and bring to justice anyone found responsible of causing physical harm to protesters,” Gil continues in the statement.
On Monday night, the 15-year-old whose name was withheld because he is a minor was shot in the back of his neck near the Din Daeng Police Station. The boy was sent to Rajavithi Hospital.
Rajavithi Hospital today issued a statement that the boy remains unconscious and suffers from cerebral coma due to a bullet lodged in his brainstem.
Other teen protesters – reportedly 14 and 16 years old – were also shot on Monday night.
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