08/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - Parliament calls on Thailand to lift human rights restrictions. Concerned about the worsening human rights situation in Thailand after the illegal coup d'état in May 2014, MEPs urged the Thai authorities, in a joint resolution (adopted by 581 votes in favour, 35 against and 35 abstentions), to lift the repressive restriction on the right to freedom and on the peaceful exercise of other fundamental rights. The European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU delegation should use all the instruments available to ensure the respect of human rights and the rule of law in Thailand, especially by continuing to observe the investigations and court hearings of opposition leaders, MEPs add. They encourage the European Commission and the EEAS to maintain economic and political pressure on Thailand so as to ensure the country returns to democratic governance. (CG)