ID :
137882
Mon, 08/16/2010 - 16:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/137882
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17 Red Shirt leaders deny charges of terrorism
BANGKOK, Aug 16 - Seventeen of the 19 indicted and detained leaders and supporters of the anti-government 'Red Shirt' movement United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Monday appeared in Thailand's Criminal Court for their first hearing on terrorism cases, and all of them denied all charges.
The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) on August 11 indicted 19 of the 25 leaders and supporters of UDD on terrorism charges in connection with political unrest during April and May in Bangkok and the provinces.
Among those indicted are Veera Musikhapong, Natthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn, Korkaew Pikulthong, Kwanchai Praipana, Yosawaris Chuklom alias Jeng Dokchik, Nisit Sinthuprai, Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai, Phumkitti alias Pichet Sukchindathong, Suksek Polsue, Jaran Loipoon, Amnart Inthachote, Chayut Laicharoen, Sombat Makthong, Surachai Thewarat, Rachata Wongyod and Yongyuth Thuammee.
Mr Veera who was granted bail on July 30, arrived in court with his family while 16 other leading UDD members were taken to court from Bangkok Remand Prison where they are being held.
Two Puea Thai members of parliament -- Jatuporn Prompan and Karun Hosakul -- were not at court as Parliament is sitting and they are exercising their parliamentary immunity to not be present at court but to attend the session of Parliament.
All denied all charges and pledged to fight the cases.
The court is set to consider the witnesses and evidence on September 27 at 9am before starting process on witness hearing.
The OAG have not yet indicted the six other Red Shirt activist detainees accused of the same charges because they are still at large.
They are ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Arisman Pongruangrong, Payap Panket, Adisorn Piangket, Police Lt-Col Waipote Arpornrat and Suporn Atthawong.
The prosecutors have coordinated with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in an attempt to arrest them.
The name of slain army specialist general Khattiya Sawasdipol was deleted from the list.
The government's terrorism case is related to the detainees alleged roles in inciting protesters and the Red Shirt movement overall in the capital and in the provinces, leading to violence and damage to government buildings, department stores, and the loss of military weaponry worth several billion baht.
The cases are all focused on their alleged roles in the disorder of April and May in inciting and leading Red Shirt supporters and their movement to storm Parliament on April 7, to confront and scuffle with military personnel at the First Army Region headquarters on April 10, to protest and invade the compound of the Thaicom satellite TV ground station in Pathum Thani, and to block traffic leading to the Phra Pinklao Bridge. (MCOT online news)
The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) on August 11 indicted 19 of the 25 leaders and supporters of UDD on terrorism charges in connection with political unrest during April and May in Bangkok and the provinces.
Among those indicted are Veera Musikhapong, Natthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn, Korkaew Pikulthong, Kwanchai Praipana, Yosawaris Chuklom alias Jeng Dokchik, Nisit Sinthuprai, Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai, Phumkitti alias Pichet Sukchindathong, Suksek Polsue, Jaran Loipoon, Amnart Inthachote, Chayut Laicharoen, Sombat Makthong, Surachai Thewarat, Rachata Wongyod and Yongyuth Thuammee.
Mr Veera who was granted bail on July 30, arrived in court with his family while 16 other leading UDD members were taken to court from Bangkok Remand Prison where they are being held.
Two Puea Thai members of parliament -- Jatuporn Prompan and Karun Hosakul -- were not at court as Parliament is sitting and they are exercising their parliamentary immunity to not be present at court but to attend the session of Parliament.
All denied all charges and pledged to fight the cases.
The court is set to consider the witnesses and evidence on September 27 at 9am before starting process on witness hearing.
The OAG have not yet indicted the six other Red Shirt activist detainees accused of the same charges because they are still at large.
They are ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Arisman Pongruangrong, Payap Panket, Adisorn Piangket, Police Lt-Col Waipote Arpornrat and Suporn Atthawong.
The prosecutors have coordinated with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in an attempt to arrest them.
The name of slain army specialist general Khattiya Sawasdipol was deleted from the list.
The government's terrorism case is related to the detainees alleged roles in inciting protesters and the Red Shirt movement overall in the capital and in the provinces, leading to violence and damage to government buildings, department stores, and the loss of military weaponry worth several billion baht.
The cases are all focused on their alleged roles in the disorder of April and May in inciting and leading Red Shirt supporters and their movement to storm Parliament on April 7, to confront and scuffle with military personnel at the First Army Region headquarters on April 10, to protest and invade the compound of the Thaicom satellite TV ground station in Pathum Thani, and to block traffic leading to the Phra Pinklao Bridge. (MCOT online news)
