From Rock to Noise, Stone Free Festival Sounds Notes of Authenticity

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8 December 2015, 14:55

Stone Free III was held in January 2014. Photo: Stone Free Music Festival / Facebook

By Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra
Staff Reporter

BANGKOK — Though it remains to be seen whether it will go off as planned, the return of the Stone Free Music Festival this weekend after a year’s hiatus promises a dose of community and catharsis for independent music fans.

The stridently noncommercial gathering of musical tribes, from shoegazers and hard rockers to purveyors of dissonant noise, was set to start Friday about an hour and half north of Bangkok in Saraburi province, that is until local authorities mistook the generally serene, middle-class stoners usually in attendance for the stabbier type found at, say, a Paradox concert.

Festival organizer Tokin Teekanun said music fans attend to soak up nutrients from the music with hardly any rest: though they can sleep in their tents, their ears remain open to a spectrum of original music including electronic, experimental, folk and pop.

“Anybody who plays here has to agree with the terms that there won’t be much, just the necessities: a toilet, and some food will be provided,” said Tokin, who also organizes the related yet folkier Keep on the Grass fest. “There’s only music and the people listening to it.”

Indie Music Fest Ordered to Seek Junta OK

Tokin said Stone Free started with a Panda Records music video by Chladni Chandi he directed in 2011. It featured mountain cliffs in the background. The team thought it would be a cool to have friends from different bands play and shoot a video out of it. Afterward, invited strangers to participate by posting that bands would be playing and anyone could enter with a fee of only 100 baht. When 500 showed up, the Stone Free Music Festival was born.

Fans during a morning set at Stone Free III in January 2014. Photo: Stone Free Music Festival / Facebook

Since the beginning, the concept has stayed the same. A natural setting of some cliffs, some mud, and lots of rocks, from which the came the fest’s ironic name. The music never stops, with bands playing all day and night long. There may be breaks – being noncommercial means a lot of DIY, which can translate into long delays between sets.

This year’s lineup is split into 20 bands known in scene and 20 that are unestablished. If the schedule holds, attendees will hear electro-dream pop from Morg, at about 10 am, followed by alt-rock from Penny Time. When dusk descends, the English folk of My Life As Ali Thomas will fill the air.

With an international bent are Sawagi, How to Count One to Ten, and Denims; three bands from Japan. Bangkok-based, monster-bearded Japanese DJ Moola will spool out his funk, while Cambodian-French performance artist Lafidki will serve an intense ambient set.

That’s just part of a nearly 60 band-strong lineup to play out over the three days and two nights.

Advance tickets have sold out but can be bought at the gate for 1,500 baht.

Unfortunately all this depends on organizers resolving things with authorities. Last week police in Saraburi, which had already approved the event, told the festival’s organizers they would need to seek approval from the ruling junta. Tokin said they hope to have it resolved by today by either continuing as planned or finding a new venue in the same area.

No mention of this has yet to be made on the festival’s Facebook page, with the organizers saying they didn’t want to alarm fans.

A musician at Stone Free III in January 2014. Photo: Stone Free Music Festival / Facebook

Police at Thammasat Where Released Activists Plan News Conference

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Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

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8 December 2015, 13:31

Members of the League of Liberal Thammasat for Democracy, including leader Sirawith Seritiwat, fourth from left, celebrate their Monday night release in the capital’s Phuttamonthon district. Photo: League of Liberal Thammasat for Democracy / Facebook

BANGKOK — All pro-democracy activists arrested Monday on their way to visit the scandal-plagued Rajabhakti Park were released last night, after nearly half of those involved signed contracts vowing to not engage in politics or protest.

Of the 36 activists taken into military custody to prevent them from reaching the park in Hua Hin, the 17 activists who agreed to sign the contract were released at about 7pm on Monday; the remaining 19 were freed at 8:40pm despite refusing to sign the agreement.

Lead by Thammasat University student activist Sirawith Seritiwat, most of the group was arrested Monday afternoon after the train car they boarded in Ratchaburi was disconnected from the engine to stop them from traveling to Prachuap Khiri Khan province to visit the park and symbolically call attention to unanswered allegations of graft in the construction of the billion-baht park.

Military Closes Park 'For Maintenance,' Detains Dozens of Activists

The activists taken into custody said they were summoned one at a time to a room for interrogation. They were told they would be released if they signed the agreement not to be involved in any political movement. Seventeen activists, mostly older supporters of the student-led movement, signed.

“But the other 19 activists, who were almost all students, did not,” said Anon Nampha, a leader of pro-democracy group Resistant Citizens. “We were asked to sign many documents, so we agreed to sign only the one confirming we were not abused during detention.”

Though they were not physically assaulted, Anon said some activists were forcefully dragged by authorities.

Police are now reportedly gathering at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus, where the activists insist they will continue holding those in power accountable by holding a news conference this afternoon to underscore their allegations of human rights abuses.

On Monday, a junta spokesman said the activists were just invited to talk, as the military wanted to prevent a confrontation with counter-protesters who were also planning to protest in front of the park, which was built to glorify the monarchy.

“If they wanted information, there are a lot more appropriate channels to pursue without risking breaking the law,” said Col. Winthai Suvaree. “It is believed that some people have tried to use this chance to expand the story in the way they want.”

Gatherings of more than five people for “political purposes” have been banned since the junta seized power in May 2014 but unevenly applied, mostly to those critical of its military regime.

Dozens of ultra-royalists in yellow and pink shirts also gathered at Ratchaburi’s Ban Pong Railway Station on Monday to condemn the activists, accusing them of being supported by the opposition Redshirt movement that supported the previous civilian government. They also complained that efforts to investigate graft in a facility intended to celebrate the monarchy was disrespectful during the month of the King’s birthday.

Excerpt of an infographic published last night by the New Democracy Movement alleging the involvement of high-level officials in graft at the Rajabhakti Park. Junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha “it sucks.”

The reactions from both sides were reflected on social media under the same hashtag “#ทีมจ่านิว” (#TeamJaNew) to support it as a fight against junta corruption or oppose it as sedition. Ja New is a nickname for student leader Sirawith.

The park, which was closed Monday – for maintenance, authorities said – postponed its opening time today from 9am to 1pm.

Junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha this morning briefly told reporters his government would convene another news conference on the matter this afternoon.

Asked what he thought of an infographic published last night by the New Democracy Movement on Facebook about the alleged Rajabhakti Park graft scandal, Prayuth simply said, “It sucks! I can’t help if you want to believe them!”

Former Army Chief Explains Royal Park Project Graft

Govt Not Responsible for Rajabhakti Park Graft, Minister Says

Army Colonel Accused of Insulting Monarchy as ‘Royal Impostor’

Four Syrians Located, Cleared of Suspicion in Alleged ISIS Threat

By

Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter

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8 December 2015, 12:45

Foreign tourists relax on Pattaya Beach in a December 2014 file photo.

BANGKOK — Four Syrians sought by authorities for questioning in response to an intelligence warning were cleared of suspicion by police yesterday.

The four men, aged between 29 and 57, were deemed to have no links to the Islamic State. Three were questioned by police at Lumpini police station on Sunday for nearly three hours, according to police Lt. Gen. Sanit Mahatavorn of the Central Investigation Bureau, and a fourth was cleared after being detained in Chaiyaphum province later last night.

One 44-year-old man interviewed by authorities in Bangkok was found guilty of overstaying his visa and will face legal action.

The men had been sought to quell public anxiety following a leaked police memo regarding a warning from Russian intelligence that 10 ISIS-linked militants might have entered the country in October to attack Russian interests in the kingdom. Photos and the identities of the men, who had recently entered on temporary visas, were posted online Saturday night.

Authorities have insisted the memo was a routine manner of correspondence and have vowed to prosecute both the whistleblower and members of the media who published the memo.

That investigation is ongoing, according to national police spokesman Maj. Gen. Songpol Wattanachai.

Moscow Warns That ISIS in Thailand to Attack Russian Targets

Climate Change Could Cut SEA Growth 11%

By

DPA

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7 December 2015, 17:14

A power plant in Rizal province, southeast of Manila, Philippines, in a Feb. 4 file photo. Photo: Rolex Dela Pena / EPA

MANILA — Economic losses from the impacts of climate change could slash Southeast Asia's growth by up to 11 percent by 2100, the Asian Development Bank said today.

The new estimate was up nearly 60 per cent from a 2009 projection that the region's economic output would be reduced by 7 percent annually due to climate change, the Manila-based bank said Monday.

"The economic costs of not reining in greenhouse gas emissions are more serious than we previously estimated," ADB chief economist Shang Jin Wei said during the COP21 conference in Paris.

"At the same time, this new study also shows that reducing emissions and stabilizing the climate will produce benefits and avoid losses for South-East Asia, which in the long run sharply outweigh the costs of action," he said.

The study was focused on the region's five largest economies – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam – which account for 90 percent of emissions in Southeast Asia.

It stressed the need for action to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

The study noted that without changing existing energy use patterns – which include fast-growing use of coal and oil – greenhouse gas emissions are likely to be 60 per cent higher in 2050 than in 2010.

"Reducing emissions will require action on a number of fronts, including a sharp reduction in the rate of deforestation, which accounts for the majority of Southeast Asia's current emissions," the bank said.

"Averting deforestation represents the lowest cost opportunity for emissions reductions and could generate half of the cumulative regional mitigation through the mid-2030s."

Story: DPA

Johnny Depp, Wife Seek Speedy Dog-Smuggling Trial

By

DPA

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7 December 2015, 16:05

U.S. actress Amber Heard arrives for the premiere of 'The Danish Girl' on Sept. 5 in Venice, Italy. Photo: Ettore Ferrari / EPA

SYDNEY — Actor Johnny Depp's wife Amber Heard asked an Australian court Monday for a trial in early 2016 on charges that she smuggled her pet dogs into Australia, it was reported Monday.

Her lawyer said she looked forward to clearing her name. Heard and Depp are both expected to testify.

She did not appear in court when the motion was filed, and has not returned to Australia since she was charged in May with illegally bringing her two small dogs into the country on a private jet.

She had come with Depp who was filming the latest Pirates of the Caribbean move on Australia's Gold Coast.

The case garnered world attention when Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce threatened to put the dogs down unless they left the country, because they had not gone through quarantine.

"It's time Pistol and Boo buggered off back to the United States," prompting Depp to later joke he had eaten the dogs.

"I killed my dogs and ate them, under direct orders of some kind of, I don't know, sweaty, big-gutted man from Australia."

Magistrate Joan White expressed doubt Monday that an early 2016 trial could fit the court's schedule.

A five-day hearing is expected and the court said the government would bring 12 witnesses to trial.

If found guilty of the offences under the Australian Quarantine Act, Heard faces up to 10 years jail or heavy fines.

The matter will be back in court to discuss legal arrangements on Dec. 15.

Story: DPA

Indie Music Fest Ordered to Seek Junta OK

By

Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra, Correspondent

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7 December 2015, 15:20

Listening to music at Stone Free III in January 2013 in Kanchanaburi province. Photo: Courtesy Stone Free Festival

By Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra
Staff Reporter

BANGKOK — The fourth outing of an indie music festival popular with Bangkok music lovers is up in the air after authorities intervened at the last minute to demand organizers seek permission from the ruling junta, an organizer said today.

Stone Free, a festival celebrating new music from post-rock to experimental, is in jeopardy of being canceled for a second year after local police in Saraburi province, where the festival was to happen this weekend, said concerns about violence prompted them to change their minds and insist organizers seek formal approval from the junta according to festival organizer Tokin Teekanun.

“The police perceived the concert in a negative light, thinking the event could lead to killings,” said Tokin, adding that police had informed local officials to put a stop to the concert.

Tokin said the event, which typically draws a middle-class Bangkok youth and some foreigners and has been held without incident thrice before, might have been confused with shows such as a 2013 Bangkok concert by Sek Loso and Carabao where fights erupted between students.

“There have been no quarrels or fights before, most of the people attending are students and young adults and artists who are passionate about music,” Tokin said. There are always security checks, he added.

As of this afternoon, organizers did not appear to have announced the problem to attendees. The three-day fest was due to begin at 1pm on Friday. Rumors there were problems began spreading at least a week ago.

A letter has been prepared, Tokin said, but he was skeptical it would win approval on time given the number of holidays this week. He said that local district approvals had already approved the concert, which means the police should have been notified for some time.

Organizers said they don’t want to cancel the festival and might change the venue to elsewhere in Saraburi.

Stone Free Festival was last held in January 2014, attracting about 800 attendees to a quarry setting in Kanchanaburi province. Its previous edition was canceled due to problems securing a location. The noncommercial festival doesn’t turn a profit as it has no major sponsors and got its name from its barren, rocky venues.

Organizers said they are still trying still trying to resolve the issues and hope to share more information Tuesday.

Vegetarian Diet Goes to ‘Seed’

By

Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra, Correspondent

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7 December 2015, 13:00

By Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra
Staff Reporter

BANGKOK — I started ordering some food marked in the menu as vegetarian. “Oh, so you are a vegetarian?” the server replied, instead of writing down the order. Being a carnivore until very recently, I told her I was not, but that I wanted to go animal-free out of environmental concerns. She chuckled.

As something of an experiment, I had taken my new diet to Seed, one of the hot restaurants of the now, to see to see if Bangkok’s dining scene has matured to that of other cosmopolitan cities. Reading all the glowing reviews about Seed had fed my curiosity. It touts celebrated Singaporean chef Haikal Johari of the now defunct Water Library Thonglor in charge of the menu and food, though he was away in Singapore on the occasion of my recent visit.

This is not a full review. Obviously I skipped the organic lamb tartare, duck confit, and (of course!) the foie gras which would have sounded appealing just a week prior.

A young waitress looked a bit surprised at my early arrival, but ushered me in. Between properly set dining tables and cushioned chairs for lounging around, I chose the comfier chair and was given a menu. I didn’t notice the “barn-like” or rustic farm theme of other reviews; it was more homey than farm like.

While wrestling with whether to order a meat burger or salmon instead, another waitress came to serve sun dried tomato ciabatta drizzled with garlic parmesan butter. She announced it was complimentary, which sort of took any grace out of the gesture, given that free bread isn’t a new concept to international-class restaurants. Understanding the bread’s specialness and feeling hungry, I chewed and swallowed that soft ciabatta bread in about two seconds.

Skipping ahead to the Australian heirloom carrots, I realized my evening’s art gallery-hopping plans were unneeded, as the dish was abstract art, with two colored carrots (B320) arranged at jaunty angles. Long and skinny in orange and purple, they would have fit in at the H&M jeans department. A little crunchy but soft enough with a sour, spicy flavor and hints of goat cheese.

At this point my resolve was already wavering. The waitress had said the duck confit was a great dish. Did I want to break my vow of a vegetarian weekend for it? Bite into the seabass despite my newfound concern over fish toxicity, sustainability and labor issues? Could I just get a little of that savagely produced foie gras on top of some tofu?

Vegetarian tortellini spinach (B390), then. Again the presentation was remarkable. The slices of eggplant were neatly curled onto the plate with the tortellini and what appeared to be mushrooms, served in a brown butter sauce with yellow cherry tomatoes and Grana Padano cheese. I polished it off with relish, like it was any meat pasta dish in the world, as all the ingredients within those perfectly cooked tortellini quickly melted in my mouth.

As the last tortellini met its fate, the empty restaurant had come to life. There was a TV-worthy family of slim mom, kind-looking dad and kid wearing coordinated clothes. A couple with a girl who looked like a model. Would she be ordering heirloom carrots? Two ladies with perfectly straight, shiny hair sipped cocktails. Maybe I should have combed mine.

Unluckily for the manager now flitting from table to table, he came to mine and was bombarded him with questions about sustainable fish and organic food. He seemed surprised, but carefully explained everything was organic and clean as possible. He said the chef could be notified of any special diet requirements. I was relieved to be alone again after the awkward conversation.

Cocktails are a thing at Seed. My server coaxed me to get a drink set on a thin paper coaster reading “drink more, worry less.” I was an impulse away but 300 baht short of ordering the Sexy Lychee cocktail. Desert, then. The Strawberry Shortbread (B250) was shortbread stacked with sorbet strawberry ice cream, rose custard and vanilla cream. The waitress stressed the strawberry featured actual strawberry, but I can’t say it all felt worth it.

Seed is open 6pm to midnight daily except Monday

To reach us about this article or another matter, please contact us by e-mail at: [email protected].

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Rajabhakti Scandal: Military Closes Park ‘For Maintenance,’ Detains Dozens of Activists

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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7 December 2015, 12:03

Soldiers detain activist Sirawith Seritiwat Monday in Ratchaburi province. — Soldiers detain activist Sirawith Seritiwat on Dec. 7, 2015, in Ratchaburi province.

BANGKOK — For the second time in a week, the military has intercepted a group of activists who attempted to travel to the army’s historical park said to be rife with corruption.

Sirawith Seritiwat, co-founder of the pro-democracy group Resistant Citizens, and dozens of his supporters were arrested aboard a train en route to Rajabhakti Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province Monday morning.

The authorities employed several drastic measures to intercept the group, including cutting off the train car that Sirawith was riding, closing down the historical park “for maintenance” and threatening Sirawith’s mother on Sunday to convince her son to call off the trip.

iLaw, an NGO group that tracks legal prosecution of anti-junta activists, said on Twitter that they were told 33 people have been arrested so far.

Student protesters parody the fashion of the ‘anti-corruption’ Bangkok Shutdown movement Monday to mock their silence on the alleged graft scandal of Rajabhakti Park.

Security officers intercepted the train that the activists were boarding in Ratchaburi province.

Sirawith announced on Dec. 5 that his group would travel to the billion-baht park to highlight reports of corruption associated with the project, which was built by the Royal Thai Army from November 2014 to August 2015.

Read: Activists to Visit Rajabhakti Park Despite Likely Detention of Student Leader

Last week, two leaders of the Redshirt movement embarked on a similar journey to the historical park, only to be arrested by soldiers southwest of Bangkok. The two activists, Jatuporn Prompan and Nattawut Saikua, were detained at an army camp and later released on the same day without any charges.

The park – a massive complex featuring giant statues of seven prominent Thai kings – has been the center of media attention since reports of financial irregularity appeared in early November.

Citing anonymous sources inside the army, the media has reported about unusually expensive materials used in the park’s construction and shady financial transactions, such as the hiring of foundries to make statues for the park via a middleman who took 10 percent cuts from the budget.

Although former army chief Udomdej Sitabutr, who oversaw the project until he retired in October, admitted that some of the allegations were true, an internal investigation by the army ruled that there was no wrongdoing in the park construction. A second investigation into the project, this time launched by the Ministry of Defense, is underway.

The incident is the most serious allegation of corruption to hit the current military government since it came to power in May 2014, as the Rajabhakti Park project was meant to honor the Thai monarchy, which is widely revered in Thailand.

Soldiers bar tourists from entering Rajabhakti Park today. The army insists the park has been closed down for maintenance issues.

Anti-coup activist Sirawith Seritiwat speaks to reporters Monday in Ratchaburi province, where soldiers stopped the train he was boarding for Rajabhakti Park.

Speaking at a news conference today, Maj. Gen. Kongcheep Tantrawanich, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, hit back at the skeptics and activists who questioned the park’s transparency by accusing them of smearing the royal monument.

“I’d like to ask for cooperation from certain groups of people who attempt to engage in a movement to cause inappropriate news about this place [Rajabhakti Park],” Kongcheep said. “I’d like to ask them not to destroy the beautiful atmosphere and [think of the] feelings of the people who keep coming to visit and pay respect to the site in droves.”

Maj. Gen. Sanya Chansanguan, commander of a regional army unit in Prachuap Khiri Khan, told Matichon that the park is closed down for purely maintenance issues and not politics. He said the park will reopen “in the next few days.”

According to social media accounts associated with the Resistant Citizens, a second group of activists is still planning to travel to Rajabhakti Park by other means of transport later today.

Govt Not Responsible for Rajabhakti Park Graft, Minister Says

Army Colonel Accused of Insulting Monarchy as ‘Royal Impostor’

Obama Tells Americans Not To Live In Fear

By

DPA

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7 December 2015, 12:03

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during an address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, December 6, 2015. <br />Photo: EPA/SAUL LOEB/POOL — U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during an address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, December 6, 2015.
Photo: EPA/SAUL LOEB/POOL

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Barack Obama sought to reassure Americans in a rare televised address from the Oval Office following a terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California that left 14 dead.

Detailing ongoing anti-terrorism measures and the fight against Islamic State, Obama announced no new initiatives, but called on Americans not to give into fear.

"The threat from terrorism is real but we will overcome it. We will destroy ISIL and any other organizations that tries to harm us," he said, using an acronym for the Islamic State terrorist group.

"Our success won't depend on tough talk, or abandoning our values or giving into fear. That's what groups like ISIL are hoping for. Instead, we will prevail by being strong and smart, resilient and relentless. And by drawing upon every aspect of American power."

He vowed the U.S. military would continue to hunt down terrorists abroad while working with local partners in Iraq and Syria to fight Islamic State, but rejected a long, costly ground war like those the US engaged in in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Obama praised allies Britain, France and Germany for bolstering their role in the fight against Islamic State in recent days and said the U.S. and its allies would continue to prevent plots, work with allies to cut off financing to the group and prevent it from recruiting.

Further he said the international community was working to establish a process and timeline for a ceasefire in the Syrian civil war that has allowed Islamic State to take advantage of a power vacuum.

Obama called on Congress to pass tougher gun control measures, including one that would bar people on the so-called no-fly list buying guns and making it harder for people to buy assault weapons.

He also called for Congress to toughen visa rules and to approve a new authorization for military operations in Iraq and Syria as he requested last year.

The alleged killers in California, an American Muslim, Syed Rizwan Farook, and his Pakistani-born wife, Tashfeen Malik, appeared to have been radicalized, but not to have belonged to an organized terrorist group, said Obama.

Islamic State on Saturday claimed the attack had been carried out by "supporters" but did not claim involvement in planning or orchestrating the plot.

Obama declared the attack in which the couple killed Farook's co-workers at an office party a clear act of terrorism designed to kill innocent people, noting "it is clear that the two of them had gone down the brutal path of radicalization."

The war on terrorism has entered a new phase in recent years as intelligence agencies have become more adept at preventing the large-scale organized attacks like those on September 11, 2001, and instead have turned to inspiring followers online to conduct smaller attacks, Obama said.

"We see growing efforts by terrorists to poison the minds of people like the Boston Marathon bombers and the San Bernardino killers," he said.

Obama however urged Americans not to give into Islamic State by alienating and demonizing millions of Muslim Americans.

It's our responsibility to reject proposals that Muslim-Americans should somehow be treated differently," he said. "Because when we travel down that road, we lose. That kind of divisiveness, that betrayal of our values plays into the hands of groups like ISIL."

Story: DPA / Anne K Walters

28 killed, 80 Wounded by Quartet of Women Suicide Bombers at Chad Market

By

DPA

-

6 December 2015, 14:45

Nigerian refugees in western Chad who fled attacks by Boko Haram in a March 4 file photo.Photo: Kristin Palitza / DPA<br />
<br /> — Nigerian refugees in western Chad who fled attacks by Boko Haram in a March 4 file photo.Photo: Kristin Palitza / DPA

N'DJAMENA, Chad — Four female suicide bombers targeted a market on an island in Lake Chad on Saturday, killing at least 28 people, a senior military official said.

The attacks were carried out by four female bombers at about 2pm in the locality of Koulkoua, said Col. Joseph Nouma of Cameroon's special forces, which operates in the region.

"The young girls blew up themselves in the local market leaving at least 28 people dead and scores injured," he said.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by members of Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram, a Chadian military official, who asked to remain anonymous, told DPA.

Some 80 people were wounded in the attack, the official said, adding that the dead included the suicide bombers.

Chad's government instituted a state of emergency in the Lake Chad region in November, saying the area had become a gathering point for Boko Haram militants.

The state of emergency empowers the governor of the area to prohibit the movement of people and vehicles and to order searches of homes day and night.

More than 5,000 soldiers have been deployed on islands and lakeside villages there.

In October, 41 people died when suicide bombers attacked a weekly market in October in the town of Baga Sola.

Boko Haram, which seeks to establish a state with its very strict interpretation of Islamic law, has killed thousands of people in northern Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad.

Story: DPA / Ngala Chimtom and Geoffroy Touroumbaye

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