“Congratulations to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights for winning the Justice for Democracy Defenders Award at this year’s Albies ceremony hosted by the Clooney Foundation for Justice! Their tireless work defending the rights of those facing legal harassment and persecution in Thailand is truly inspiring. Let’s continue to support those fighting for justice and democracy around the world. #ThaiLawyersforHumanRights #JusticeforDemocracyDefenders #ClooneyFoundationforJustice #HumanRights #Democracy”
About the Clooney Foundation and The Albies
The Clooney Foundation for Justice was created by human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and her actor husband George Clooney. Their goal is to provide a platform for the recognition and support of individuals and organizations fighting for justice across the globe. One of the ways they do this is by hosting an annual star-studded gala event called The Albies in New York City. Named in honor of Justice Albie Sachs for his key role in bringing an end to apartheid in South Africa, The Albies celebrates the efforts of six remarkable justice defenders worldwide each year.
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) Receives Democracy Defenders Award
At this year’s Albies, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) was honored with the Justice for Democracy Defenders Award. This prestigious award was given in recognition of TLHR’s unwavering dedication to defending the rights of thousands of students, activists, and journalists who have faced legal harassment and persecution under Thailand’s laws criminalizing peaceful protest and speech. Their work covers cases that include charges related to insulting the monarchy.
The Struggles of TLHR’s Co-Founder, Sirikan “June” Charoensiri
TLHR’s co-founder, Sirikan “June” Charoensiri, has experienced multiple prosecutions herself as a result of her activism. Her journey began in 2015 when she defended 14 pro-democracy student protesters arrested by the military regime and charged with sedition. Her efforts in their defense led to her facing the same charge.
In her acceptance speech at The Albies, Ms. Sirikan highlighted the reality of living under such restrictive laws in Thailand. She asked the audience to consider the implications of being imprisoned for merely discussing the royal family or demanding democratic reform, something that is all too real for activists in her country.
Persecution of Activists in Thailand: A Statistical Insight
According to data provided by TLHR up to August 31st this year, 1,925 people have been prosecuted for political participation and expression since the beginning of the Free Youth protests in July 2020. At least 257 individuals are facing lese-majeste charges under Section 112, while 130 have been charged with sedition under Section 116.
The Impact of Celebrity Support
The Clooneys’ star power has attracted numerous influential figures from various fields such as human rights, business, entertainment, fashion, and technology to The Albies ceremony. In a joint statement, Amal and George Clooney emphasized the importance of acknowledging the risks faced by justice defenders worldwide. They believe that by shining a spotlight on these individuals, they’re raising the stakes for their persecutors and providing much-needed support to their cause.
Overall, the recognition and support provided by the Clooney Foundation for Justice through The Albies play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of those fighting for justice and democracy around the world. The Democracy Defenders Award for Thai Lawyers for Human Rights is a testament to their unwavering commitment and the risks they face in their fight for a better future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is the purpose of the Clooney Foundation for Justice and The Albies ceremony?
The Clooney Foundation for Justice was created to provide a platform for the recognition and support of individuals and organizations fighting for justice across the globe. The Albies, an annual star-studded gala event, celebrates the efforts of six remarkable justice defenders worldwide each year, acknowledging their important work and amplifying their voices in the fight for justice and democracy.
Question 2: Why did Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) receive the Democracy Defenders Award at The Albies?
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) received the Democracy Defenders Award at this year’s Albies in recognition of their unwavering dedication to defending the rights of thousands of students, activists, and journalists facing legal harassment and persecution under Thailand’s laws criminalizing peaceful protest and speech. Their work covers a range of cases, including charges related to insulting the monarchy.
Question 3: How does the Clooney Foundation for Justice hope to impact the fight for justice and democracy through The Albies?
By hosting The Albies ceremony, the Clooney Foundation for Justice aims to shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations fighting for justice worldwide, raising the stakes for their persecutors and providing much-needed support to their cause. The recognition and support provided through The Albies play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of those fighting for justice and democracy around the world, such as Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.
