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Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into allegations of torture and other ill-treatment by police probing the murder of two British tourists on the island of Koh Tao.
Backpackers Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were killed in the early hours of September 15 on the tourist island.
Thai authorities made two Burmese suspects in the case take part in a public, televised re-enactment of the crime, which undermined their right to be presumed innocent, Amnesty said.
There are also claims from one of the men that police beat him and threatened him with electrocution.
Numerous sources have also reported further acts of torture and other “cruel, inhuman and degrading” treatment of other migrant workers from Burma arrested by police in connection with the investigation, the human rights organisation claimed.
“According to reports, police officers poured boiling water over some of the Burmese migrant workers they were questioning,” Amnesty said.
“Others were also beaten and threatened. The mother of one of the individuals allegedly beaten said that the Thai police had instructed those tortured or ill-treated not to speak to the media.”
Richard Bennett, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific programme director, said: “The Thai authorities must initiate an independent, effective and transparent investigation into mounting allegations of torture and other ill-treatment by police.
“The pressure to be seen to be solving an appalling crime that has garnered considerable attention should not result in the violation of rights, including to a fair trial.
“Authorities should provide protection from threats and acts of retaliation to anyone, regardless of their immigration status, reporting or speaking about torture or ill-treatment, and full redress to victims.
“They must also ensure that any alleged confession or information that has been coerced as a result of torture is not admitted as evidence in court, unless to prove that torture has been carried out.
“All suspects should also be guaranteed their rights to a fair trial – which is of particular importance in a crime that could carry a death sentence.”
The UN Committee against Torture expressed concern in May about continuing allegations of widespread torture and other ill-treatment of detainees by Thailand’s military, police and prison officials.
The committee urged the authorities to take immediate and effective measures to investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators.