BANGKOK, Sept 13 (TNA) — A human rights activist has asked the National Human Rights Commission to protect the university student who drew Ultraman Buddha paintings and set standard for appropriate scopes of expression.
Activist Sirawit Chuangsen sent his request to Sopol Chingchit, secretary-general of the commission, calling for the protection of the art student at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University who drew four controversial paintings depicting Buddha in the forms of Japan’s superhero Ultraman.
The student already apologized but a group of people wanted to make headlines by asking the Crime Suppression Division to take legal action against the student as well as national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and lawyer Decha Ktiwithayanan who voiced their support for the student, Mr Sirawit said.
That was a threat to the freedom of expression and the NHRC should make a ruling to set a precedent as to whether the student’s expression was a violation in any context, the activist said.
“The student apologized and the issue should have come to an end … Why didn’t they understand that the young could make mistakes? Now the student is under pressure and fear. I cannot tolerate any threat on her,” Mr Sirawit said.
Mr Sopol said he was glad to receive the request and the NHRC was likely to issue a ruling that would set a clear scope of expressions.
“To me, the painter is youth and deserves opportunities. She is a Buddhist like opponents. Buddhists should have generosity,” Mr Sopol said. (TNA)
