ID :
110525
Mon, 03/08/2010 - 20:29
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/110525
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Court frees Maj-Gen Khattiya, six others on bail but rejects K-Thong's bid
BANGKOK, March 8 (TNA) - Thailand's Criminal Court has approved granting bail to Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, a staunch supporter of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and six of Gen Khattiya's associates--except Pornwat Thongthanaboon alias K-Thong--reasoning that his charges should be considered terrorism.
Even though police investigators asked the court to detain all eight for fear that they would tamper with the evidence of the case and threaten witnesses, but the Court finally acted to temporarily free them after Gen Khattiya's lawyer requested bail with Bt1.6 million in cash.
The Court ordered Gen Khattiya and his companions to not comment on any matter which could be considered as threatening the public regarding possible violence.
However, the Court denied the bail request for Mr Pornwat as his actions could be considered as terrorist acts, and he was to be sent to the Bangkok Remand Prison.
Gen Khattiya and his seven associates have been in police custody since Saturday on charges of carrying weapons in public places without legitimate reason.
Suspended from duty for an indefinite period, the controversial special general also faces charges for sheltering an accused person and using falsified motor vehicle registration license plates.
The general is suspected of being involved in the grenade attack at Thai Army headquarters January 15. The grenade narrowly missed the office of the army chief. A summons was issued for him and he reported to the police.
Mr Pornwat was charged with posessing fire arms without license and earlier charged with using electronic media to incite unrest and threatening public order after uploading a video clip on the YouTube.com website some 10 days ago.
In the video, he 'predicted' bombings and chaos which might "soon take place" in Bangkok, and in fact such acts did take place the next day with a series of bombing incidents at Bangkok Bank branches in the capital and Samut Prakan province.
However, Mr Pornwat denied the charges, saying that the video clip was edited and distorted .
Gen Khattiya said after being released that he respected the Court order and will not be on stage during the Red Shirt rally that will start at Sanam Luang on March 14 but would attend the gathering as an observer.
He said he will appeal the court order to help free Mr Pornwat. (TNA)
Even though police investigators asked the court to detain all eight for fear that they would tamper with the evidence of the case and threaten witnesses, but the Court finally acted to temporarily free them after Gen Khattiya's lawyer requested bail with Bt1.6 million in cash.
The Court ordered Gen Khattiya and his companions to not comment on any matter which could be considered as threatening the public regarding possible violence.
However, the Court denied the bail request for Mr Pornwat as his actions could be considered as terrorist acts, and he was to be sent to the Bangkok Remand Prison.
Gen Khattiya and his seven associates have been in police custody since Saturday on charges of carrying weapons in public places without legitimate reason.
Suspended from duty for an indefinite period, the controversial special general also faces charges for sheltering an accused person and using falsified motor vehicle registration license plates.
The general is suspected of being involved in the grenade attack at Thai Army headquarters January 15. The grenade narrowly missed the office of the army chief. A summons was issued for him and he reported to the police.
Mr Pornwat was charged with posessing fire arms without license and earlier charged with using electronic media to incite unrest and threatening public order after uploading a video clip on the YouTube.com website some 10 days ago.
In the video, he 'predicted' bombings and chaos which might "soon take place" in Bangkok, and in fact such acts did take place the next day with a series of bombing incidents at Bangkok Bank branches in the capital and Samut Prakan province.
However, Mr Pornwat denied the charges, saying that the video clip was edited and distorted .
Gen Khattiya said after being released that he respected the Court order and will not be on stage during the Red Shirt rally that will start at Sanam Luang on March 14 but would attend the gathering as an observer.
He said he will appeal the court order to help free Mr Pornwat. (TNA)
