Amnesty: Thailand's military allows “culture of torture”September 28, 2016 - 15:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Thailand's military government has allowed a "culture of torture" to flourish since assuming power, says a new report by rights group Amnesty International, according to BBC News. The report lists 74 alleged cases of torture and other ill-treatment, including methods such as beatings and waterboarding, by soldiers and police. The military seized power in 2014 after months of political unrest, saying it wanted to restore stability. It has denied allegations of torture. "Our investigations into such allegations have shown no indication of torture, I have seen no indication of torture and the Thai people have seen no indication of torture," Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd, a spokesman for the prime minister's office, told Reuters. Amnesty was due to hold a press conference in Bangkok on Wednesday, September 28 to release the report. But it was cancelled at the last minute after officials warned that speakers could face arrest under labour laws. "We are not singling out the Thai government," Amnesty's Asia media manager Omar Waraich told Reuters. "We are here on business visas, we have an office in Thailand." Photo: AP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |