The team behind the legal defense of two migrant laborers accused of murdering two Britons on Koh Tao have created a crowdfunding campaign to support their defense.
Rights activist Andy Hall and defense lawyer Nakhon Chompuchat have created a site for people to contribute to the defense of Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, both 21, who are on trial for the savage murders of David Miller and Hannah Witheridge on the resort island this past September.
The campaign cites the irregularities of the police investigation, reports of torture and abuse in obtaining confessions and other concerns that have led many observers to doubt the integrity of the process and worry about possible scapegoating.
READ: Universal doubts cloud ‘perfect’ Koh Tao murder investigation
“Everyone, including family and friends of the victims, surely want this case to be closed and the real perpetrators brought to justice,” Hall wrote. “A fair trial requires rights of the accused be respected and that the accused have a legal team to defend them of a crime they may not have done.”
As of today the campaign had collected about THB419,000, about half of its goal.
It includes a detailed accounting of how the money is being spent, such as transportation costs for the legal team, translation services with witnesses and investigation costs. Most of the lawyers and support team are donating their time and services pro bono.
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Myanmar: Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun are innocent
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