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I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the cowardly attack on Nick Nostitz. I have the utmost respect for Nick’s intrepid photo-journalism. Since 2007, he has provided the single best and most comprehensive first-hand accounts of political protests in Bangkok. He has always been at the front-lines, providing extraordinary documentation of critical events. He has often risked his personal safety and security. I also regard him as a close personal friend. He is generous, tolerant, and dedicated to the pursuit of truth.
The attack on him on 25 November 2013 must be condemned by all. It is inimical to free speech, human rights and democracy. The hate campaign on Facebook is terribly foreboding. Nick cannot be allowed to stand alone in this circumstance.
In the broader context, while I am in firm agreement with the Red Shirt positions with respect to social injustices, economic inequality, and social and political discrimination, and the need to improve the lot of the rural poor and urban working class generally, and embrace more progressive values, I cannot abide their association with the corrupt and venal Thaksin Shinawatra. But in the aftermath of the attack on Nick, this is beside the point.
Regardless of one’s political predilections, the assault must be loudly and roundly condemned.
I hope that Nick’s spirit has not been wounded by this despicable event. We need his reportage. But a democratic Thailand also needs people of his courage and devotion to truth.
Des Ball is Special Professor of Strategic Studies at the Australian National University’s College of Asia and the Pacific. A sometime New Mandala contributor, in November 2013 he was awarded the University’s highest honour, the Baume Award.
Is that really a picture of Nick lying face-down on the road and covered in blood? If not it should be removed.
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Thanks R.N.,
No, it’s a very important picture he snapped back in October 2008 on one of the first occasions when Nick took front-line photographs for this site. As Des says, “this is a classic photo of a Border Patrol Police officer assisting a wounded journalist”. Seems relevant in the circumstances.
The original is in this important post (WARNING: Graphic content).
Hope that explains why it’s being used here. I apologise that the context wasn’t made clearer — a bit too much going on today.
For those of you wanting the reference for the other photo associated with Des’ short post, it comes from this powerful 2009 Nostitz story.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
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At present, there is a frame in the cycling headline, on NM’s home-page, about the assault on Nick. A reasonable person would assume that the picture in that frame was Nick, showing his condition after being assaulted. But that is not the case. The picture is of somebody else, much more badly injured than Nick was.
NM is a very good web site, for the most part, but what I have described here is dishonest and inflammatory.
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Nobody attacked him .i stood in thailand at the same time and i only see that nobody from the demonstrants had violence to him.they only give them to the police and demonstrants ordered the police to take care for him.this is the reality.
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Khun brendecke, there is much to laugh at in your daft statement – including the fact you say you know what was happening because you were in Thailand at the same time the incident happened – but for your information, the official protest organisation already apologised for the attack on Nick in a statement (it can be viewed here) so your denials just show you are a liar. Congratulations.
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I have read enough persuasive accounts describing how he was ‘asking for it’ – arguing with attendees and using curse words at them – at the gathering the other day as well as at previous Yellow gatherings. Some of his performances on New Mandala over the years only lend credence to those assertions.
Such cowardly attacks are to be condemned but the question must be just how far he went putting his personal safety at risk – was it purely in the interests of taking photographs? Did he get too involved with events he was claiming to be documenting?
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Let’s ask Nick Nostitz:
(1) Were you ‘asking for it’ Nick?
(2) Were you ‘cursing’ at the protesters, deliberately to goad an attack at your person?
(3) Were you ‘cursing’ at the anti-Thaksin protesters at their previous gatherings?
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Where are these persuasive accounts? Are you sure you didn’t just hallucinate them? Anybody who knows Nick Nostitz and the way he works will recognise the utter absurdity of your comments, and can draw their own conclusions about your credibility.
What happened is that former Democrat MP Jumpol Chumsai pointed out Nick from the stage and said he was a “Red journalist” who should be thrown out. Nick was then attacked. This version of events is not up for debate. It is what happened. Versions in which Nick somehow provoked the attack exist only in the fevered imaginations of dishonest apologists for the attack. Shame on you.
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Nick Nostitz can adequately explain himself what happened AMM. Don’t you agree?
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An extensive account from Nick about what happened can be read by clicking here. I don’t see why Nick should be expected to deny ridiculous accusations of unprofessionalism in the absence of any credible evidence that he ever provoked protesters during his career. It’s very telling that none of his detractors have been able to provide any evidence to back up their claims.
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Well Andrew, your political bias/viewpoint in this conflict is well known, so people can also draw their own conclusions about your credibility
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Mike N.–Might you care to let us know the conclusions that *you* have drawn?
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I met Nick several years back and had the chance to chat with him over some drinks. It was apparent that we have very different views of the world, politics, and economics- however Nick was nothing but cordial and engaged in a very pleasant conversation with me.
In my opinion it would have been very out of character for him to be acting aggressively towards the crowd, and frankly he is smart enough to know that it would be both detrimental to his work and put him in a bad position. In my opinion what’s more likely are more internet rumours put forth by those who are trying to rationalise the Internet witch hunt.
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Can you please provide links to the “persuasive accounts” you’ve read so that we can all get an idea as to their credibility?
Thanks
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It is a horrible thing to have happened to a journalist of Nick’s calibre.
Stephff’s View on the subject, The Nation, 27 November 2013.
http://s22.postimg.org/sn1bf9x1t/photo_1.jpg
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