Myanmar: Families of 2 migrant workers seek clemency from Thai King

The families of two Myanmar migrant workers have asked for clemency for the workers from Thai King, Maha Vajiralongkorn after they were awarded the death sentence for killing two British tourists, David Miller and Hannah Witheridge back in 2014. The mothers of both the convicts, Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin, submitted an official petition to spare their lives at the Bang Kwang prison, where both the men are being held prisoners.

'Our sons are not guilty'

Both the mothers were hoping that King Maha Vajiralongkorn would listen to them and reduce their sons' death sentence to a life imprisonment sentence. The mothers' also said their sons' were not guilty and many people were of the same opinion. 

Both Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin pleaded not guilty to the gruesome murders of David and Hannah, whose bodies were found battered on a beach on the island of Koh Tao. Their sentencing was deemed controversial because of accusations that the police officials did not handle the evidence properly and forced the murder confessions out of both the workers by beating them. In addition to this, a forensics expert stated that the evidence of DNA did not link them to the crime scene.

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Strained relations between Thailand and Myanmar

The murder case strained the relationship between Thailand and Myanmar. Myanmar also witnessed several protests that were against the death sentence awarded to the two migrant workers as both the convicts had exhausted all their options when the court confirmed their sentence. 

Awarding of the death penalty has been a very rare occurrence in Thailand but in June 2018, the country witnessed the first execution being carried out in 9 years by the use of a lethal injection.

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"Free our citizens"

In the events that preceded this, citizens held protests to demand the release of the two migrant workers who were awarded the death penalty for killing two British tourists. Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside the Thailand embassy with slogans that read- "Free our citizens" and "We need justice".

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