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Human rights groups and pro-democracy activists held a Harry Potter-themed rally in Bangkok on Aug. 2, calling on supporters to defend democracy and express solidarity with jailed lawyer Arnon Nampa, convicted under Thailand's lese-majeste law banning insults to the monarchy.
Dubbed "Harry Potter: Letters from Azkaban," the gathering was the latest in a string of similarly themed protests that have taken place since 2020.
Organizers promoted participants to come dressed as wizards, bring wands, and join in symbolic activities drawn from the Harry Potter series.
The rally program featured messages from imprisoned activists, a symbolic gesture based on the Patronus spell, a letter-writing campaign aimed at detainees, and a signature drive supporting legal and constitutional changes.
Organizers also spoke out against opposition to a constitutional amendment proposal put forward by the governing Bhumjaithai Party, claiming it would allow unelected senators to maintain influence over the constitution-drafting process.
The rally also promoted support for the “People’s Constitution” campaign and efforts to revoke what organizers expressed as the legacy of the Oct. 6 coup.
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