By Joanna Ewart-James, Freedom United
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We are relieved that at last, after an eight-year legal battle, and much campaigning, migrant rights activist Andy Hall has been cleared of the last remaining charges against him by Thailand’s Supreme Court.
In a final ruling on May 11, 2021 Thailand’s Supreme Court dismissed lower court rulings that Hall was guilty of defamingpineapple company Natural Fruit and liable to pay the company 10 million Thai baht (approximately 265,000 Euros or 319,000 USD) in damages.
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Importantly, the court also ruled that Hall’s research and publication of allegations in interviews and in writing, concerning serious labor rights abuses against migrant workers at Natural Fruit, was both done in good faith and was accurate. |
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In response to the ruling, Andy Hall said in a press release:[1]
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| “I welcome today’s ruling. But after years of ongoing judicial harassment that has taken a heavy toll on me, my family and my colleagues, this is not a victory. My activism for over a decade in Thailand was intended only to promote and uphold the fundamental rights of millions of migrant workers in the country. These workers continue to find themselves without a voice in high-risk situations of forced labour and subject to systemic human and labour rights violations in global supply chains.’’ |
The Freedom United community has been united in support of Andy Hall throughout his battle, with nearly 137,500 supporters around the world signing our petition — raising the profile of his case internationally. Several of you even stepped up to donate to help with Hall’s legal fees.
Watch Andy Hall’s message of thanks to the Freedom United community and everyone who supported his campaign for justice.
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Thank you for your continuous support as we’ve campaigned to get all charges dismissed against Andy Hall. At last, justice has been delivered.
In solidarity,
Joanna and the Freedom United community |
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