Thailand: Public support for activist Andy Hall grows; trial for case filed by Natural Fruit begins 2 Sept.
Over 100 organizations around the world appealed to members of the Thai Pineapple Industry Association (TPIA) to urge its fellow member Natural Fruit to drop the cases filed against researcher, activist and human rights defender Andy Hall. Hall is facing a total of six criminal and civil charges brought by Natural Fruit for his work on a report by Finnwatch, which exposed serious rights abuses at the company’s factory.
Further information on this international action (including copies of the letter to industry members in English and Thai, and the press release) is available below. We will update this section on responses or actions taken by TPIA members and organizations related to this appeal.
1 Sept. 2014 update: In the lead-up to the start of Andy's Hall's trial on 2 Sept., a number of groups have launched public campaigns urging the Thai Government, TPIA, and TPIA members to tell Natural Fruit to drop the charges. More information on the Labourstart, SumOfUs and Walk Free campaigns are available below. International brands have also expressed support through the Ethical Trade Initiative and United Nordic. Further information below.
2 Sept. 2014 update: Items related to Andy Hall's trial available here.
Further updates are available here:
https://business-humanrights.org/en/thailand-migrant-rights-defender-andy-hall-goes-on-trial-for-criminal-defamation-computer-crimes-%E2%80%93-most-serious-of-multiple-charges-brought-by-natural-fruit
https://business-humanrights.org/en/thai-court-indicts-andy-hall-despite-ngos-calls-to-drop-charges-brought-by-natural-fruit-buyers-approached
https://business-humanrights.org/en/reports-and-statements-on-lawsuits-filed-by-natural-fruit-against-researcher-and-activist-andy-hall-for-alleged-defamation