UN rights office urges Thai government to release 14 students held on sedition charges

In this June 24, 2015 photo, student activists gather outside Pathumwan Police Station in Bangkok, Thailand. The U.N. human rights office has called on Thailand to release the 14 student activists, including them, arrested for holding a peaceful rally and charged with sedition. The 14 arrested on Friday were also charged with violating the junta's ban on political gatherings for taking part in an anti-coup rally in Bangkok. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

In this June 24, 2015 photo, student activists gather outside Pathumwan Police Station in Bangkok, Thailand. The U.N. human rights office has called on Thailand to release the 14 student activists arrested for holding a peaceful rally and charged with sedition. The 14 arrested on Friday were also charged with violating the junta's ban on political gatherings for taking part in an anti-coup rally in Bangkok. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) (The Associated Press)

BANGKOK – The U.N. human rights office has called on Thailand to release 14 student activists arrested for holding a peaceful rally and charged with sedition.

The 14 arrested on Friday were also charged with violating the junta's ban on political gatherings for taking part in an anti-coup rally in Bangkok.

The military that staged a coup last May has banned political rallies of five people or more.

The U.N. Human Rights Office for South East Asia on Tuesday also asked the government to review its use of laws that limit freedom of expression and assembly.

Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the government does not have a problem with the students but they must obey the law.