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PAD should give and take

Of course, the leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) had every right to file their petition with the Civil Court yesterday to seek a repeal to the court injunction on Monday that ordered them to end road blockades and refrain from using loudspeakers during school hours.



The five leaders and the PAD's coordinator cited their constitutional rights and duties and argued that their ongoing rally outside Government House was beneficial to the country in many ways. However, the Civil Court ordered the injunction in response to a case filed by 10 teachers and students' parents from the Rachawinit Secondary School, which is located just next to the PAD rally site near Government House. The students and teachers said the protest disrupted their lessons.

The PAD has often cited the rule of law in staging protests against politicians. But this time they are trying to get around the law to continue their street protest. The PAD leaders argued that in issuing the injunction, the court had violated Article 63 of the Constitution, which states that people have the liberty to assemble peacefully and without weapons. So far, the PAD's protest has accomplished its mission in making its political opinions heard by the public. But their decision yesterday to seek the repeal of the injunction may lose them sympathy in the neighbouring community.

The students have put up with the disruptions caused by the protest because the issues are seen as critical for the country. But now the political situation has eased somewhat, with a little help from the PAD. The students and teachers have chosen to proceed according to the rule of law to protect their right to study without disruption. And the PAD can prove to them that the court is the last resort in providing justice to everyone.

The PAD said in its statement against the court's injunction that its protest has been of great benefit to the country, by causing a delay in the ruling People Power Party's constitutional amendment plan and forcing the government to call a censure debate to address the controversial sovereignty issue over Preah Vihear Temple. Now, the PAD may do a great service for the country by showing the students that their voices have been heard and their rights will be protected by the legal system.

The issue might not have to be fought further in court if only the PAD leaders act with conscience and work out a way to continue their political activity without disrupting their neighbours. The students may even be able to learn "off-curriculum" political science through first-hand experience of fighting to protect their rights.


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