The assembly asked National Human Rights Commissioner Jaran Dittha-apichai to look into their grievance.

It claimed Assembly members had suffered since the coup with the introduction of martial law and ban on political gatherings of five or more people.

The Assembly claimed state officials who said they were acting under martial law had threatened members.

The group said members lived in fear and were prevented from meeting to discuss poverty reduction. And it wants a speedy ruling from the commission.

In a statement it called on state officials to halt threats to poor people in the guise of martial law, for their rights to be restored and political activities permitted.

Jaran received the request on Friday. He would consider next month if the allegations had merit.

He sympathised with the Assembly, saying it had worked hard for poor people. "I know they have to meet together to seek resolutions to help poor people.

"Meanwhile, the junta has to control the country to protect it from undercurrents [subversive acts]. This is the main reason poor people cannot hold meetings," he said.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation