Thailand 'should review political trials'

Thailand should halt and review all trials connected to political conflict since before a 2006 coup that opened deep divisions in the country, an independent commission recommended Friday. The Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand, which was set up by the last government in 2010 after the worst political violence in decades, urged the country to delay trials and temporarily release political defendants. It also said the use of controversial legislation banning criticism of the monarchy has been "directly related to political conflict" since before the coup.