More than 300 lecturers, former lecturers, students and alumni of Chulalongkorn University (CU) have signed a petition in support of a history lecturer being detained under the State of Emergency decree.
Asst Prof Dr Suthachai Yimprasert surrendered to the Crime Suppression Bureau on May 24 and was sent to a military camp for detention.
Suthachai was wanted on suspicion he might have caused, encouraged or supported the unrest.
"We are concerned about allegations against, the arrest warrant for and the detention of Suthachai," the petition said.
The petition with 318 names was submitted to CU President Prof Pirom Kamolratanakul for his help.
"Police have no evidence or have never revealed evidence against Suthachai," the petition said.
Signatories to the petition included incumbent CU lecturers Assoc Prof Dr Thida Saraya, Assoc Prof Suwadee Tanaprasitpat, Assoc Prof Dr Thitinan Pongsudhirak, and Dr Pitch Pongsawat.
Amlong alumni who signed the petition were Prof Dr Nidhi Aeusrivongse, Chiang Mai University lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Attachak Sattayanurak, Srinakharinwirot University lecturer Dr Penpisut Tongmee, and Prince of Songkla University lecturer Weerapong Yosboonrueang.
The petition asked Pirom in his capacity as CU top executive and a leader in intellectual circles to look into Suthachai's case and demand justice for the detained lecturer.
"In a democratic society, a civilian's differing opinion does not constitute a threat to national security," the petition said.
The petition said pressing charges against people like Suthachai without solid evidence would never create reconciliation and instead sow distrust, hatred and anger.
However, Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd earlier explained his centre was lawful in detaining Suthachai.