Lawyer Thammarat Sarapanya was discussing a case in front of reporters when he was attacked by Charuwej, 28, at the Central Investigation Bureau at around 9:53 am on November 1.
Footage shows Charuwej charging at Thammarat and slapping him in the face. He then shoved him away from the press microphones in front of shocked journalists.
Police stepped in to detain Charuwej and another individual suspected of also attacking Thammarat.
Local media reported that Charuwej, who had a Muslim wife, was furious at the lawyer over his remarks criticizing Islam. He allegedly went to the press conference to confront Thammarat, but blew up when the lawyer ignored him.
Thammarat said he will be filing charges against the suspects.
Thailand’s Lawyers Council Under the Royal Patronage has condemned the attack. It said in a statement: ‘We condemn such actions and call on the relevant authorities to investigate and deal with the perpetrators strictly in accordance with the legal process.
‘Even in the case of lawyers, even if they have different opinions, that is not a reason to commit violence, whether it is physical assault or the use of vulgar language. All lawyers have the legal right to perform their duties safely and it is the duty of the Bar Council to stand up for the right of lawyers to perform their duties for justice.’
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