Human Rights Watch condemn Narathiwat temple murders as a war crime

PHOTOS: The Nation

The cold-blooded attack on a Narathiwat temple, where two monks were gunned down last night, was “inhumane and barbaric”.

Spokesman for the Defence Ministry, Lt General Kongcheep Tantrawanich, says that those behind the attack at Wat Rattananuparb in Sungai Padi district “showed no mercy”.

“They prefer to use violence to make people fear for their own benefits and influences in the area,” he said.

The spokesman called on the public and non-government organisations to openly condemn the acts and the militants behind the attack.

Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan earlier expressed regret for those killed and injured in the attack. Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has also condemned the attacks.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch says the deadly attack on civilians in a place of worship in Narathiwat province is a war crime.

Separatist insurgents attacked the Rattanaphab temple last night killing two monks, including the temple’s abbot.

Brad Adams, HRW Asia director, says… “The ghastly attack on Buddhist monks by insurgents in Thailand’s deep south is morally reprehensible and a war crime, and those responsible should be held to account,” said

“The insurgents’ 15 year campaign of deliberately attacking Buddhist and Muslim civilians can’t be justified.”

Read an earlier story about the murders HERE.

Read more about the reaction from Human Rights Watch HERE.

Lt General Kongcheep Tantrawanich at a media conference this morning