Pattani court cites lack of evidence in case against citizen journalist reporting on extrajudicial killing, while mother seeking son's body faces suspended sentence.

In a significant win for press freedom in Thailand, citizen journalist and human rights defender Asmadee Bueheng was acquitted of all charges by the Pattani Provincial Court on February 24, 2025. The court ruled there was insufficient evidence to support allegations that Bueheng had resisted and obstructed officials while reporting on an extrajudicial killing in Thailand's Deep South region.

The verdict, which reaffirms the principle of presumption of innocence, has been hailed as an important precedent for journalists and human rights defenders facing legal harassment in Thailand, where independent journalism continues to operate under threat of legal action and intimidation.

"This decision sets an important precedent for journalists and human rights defenders facing legal harassment in Thailand," said Protection International Thailand in a statement following the ruling.
Bueheng was represented by human rights lawyer Atiwat Sengkuy and received support from Protection International throughout the legal proceedings. The organization credited international support from UN agencies, diplomatic missions, human rights organizations, and press freedom advocates for playing "a critical role in ensuring due process and protecting fundamental freedoms."

While Bueheng's case represents a positive development, the situation for Ms. Maeda Sani, who was also charged in connection with the same incident, had a different outcome. Sani, who was represented by the Muslim Attorney Center, pleaded guilty and received a one-year prison sentence and a 10,000 THB fine. The sentence was reduced to six months and 5,000 THB due to her lack of prior criminal record and cooperation with authorities. Her prison sentence has been suspended for two years.

According to Protection International, Sani's prosecution is particularly concerning as she was attempting to retrieve her son's body for a proper Muslim burial. The organization argues this violates Article 15 of the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death (2016), which emphasizes families' rights to receive bodies of deceased persons for burial according to their cultural and religious practices.

Despite the positive outcome in Bueheng's case, advocates stress that continued vigilance is necessary to prevent further legal harassment against journalists and human rights defenders in Thailand's Deep South, a region long affected by conflict and human rights concerns.

Protection International Thailand has indicated it will continue exploring ways to support Sani and strengthen press freedom and civic space in the region.