RSF deplores Thai bid to transfer burden of probing cameraman's death

“By doing this, any witness to the crime might be daring enough to provide tip-offs to Reuters more than they would to the state officials,” Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation director-general Tharit Pengdit said after meeting two Reuters representatives on 11 April to discuss the investigation.

Muramoto, based in Tokyo, was shot dead during clashes between government forces and anti-government demonstrators in Bangkok on 10 April 2010. The picture was taken shortly before he died.

“The DSI’s proposal shows that the Thai government is refusing to identify those who were responsible for Muramoto’s death,” French-based RSF said in a statement. “A government that respects the rule of law has an obligation to establish the truth and to ensure that justice is done.”

RSF said it recognises the importance of cooperation between Reuters and the authorities in charge of the investigation but cannot accept any attempt by the DSI to offload its responsibility.

Reuters has not issued any statement about its meeting with Tharit. One year after Muramoto was killed, Thai authorities still have not said who shot him. ■