ID :
138922
Mon, 08/23/2010 - 19:33
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/138922
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DSI: No conclusion on 91 Red Shirt protest deaths, including two foreign journalists
BANGKOK, Aug 23 -- Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has not yet concluded its investigation into the deaths of 91 people, including the Italian photographer and Japanese cameraman, killed during the ten-week street protests by anti-government Red Shirt protesters.
Pol Col Narat Sawettanant, deputy DSI chief and spokesman, told a news conference on Monday that the agency has received 266 cases including 145 terrorism-related cases and has conducted 42 autopsies including that of the slain Italian photographer and the Japanese cameraman.
Regarding the deaths of the two foreign journalists, Pol Col Narat explained that the DSI currently could not determine who shot either of them, the overall causes and details of their deaths. The autopsies identified only that they were shot by high-velocity bullets from the front through the back.
Italian freelance photographer Fabio Polenghi, 48, was shot dead during a military operation on May 19 while covering the clashes between troops and Red Shirt protesters at Ratchaprasong and its surrounding areas.
According to the police department's Institute of Forensic Medicine, Mr Polenghi was shot dead through his heart, lung and liver, causing him to lose a large amount of blood.
Meanwhile, Reuters cameraman Hiroyuki Muramoto, a Japanese, was killed during the clashes between government security forces and anti-government protesters at Khok Wua intersection on Rajadamnoen Avenue on the night of April 10.
In addition, the deputy DSI chief acknowledged that his agency's report differed from that of Chanasongkram Police Station which cited eyewitness accounts claiming that soldiers shot the Japanese victim.
Pol Col Narat said the DSI called in the witnesses to give testimony but they were unable to confirm that Mr Muramoto was killed by the security forces.
Currently the investigation of the Japanese continues with a lack of witnesses, he said, adding that investigators are searching for his belongings, in particular a smart phone and a digital camera which will help shed light on the case.
Pol Col Narat asserted that the DSI has not delayed the cases but continues to coordinate with Japan and Italy through diplomatic channels.
Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya on Monday met with his visiting Japanese counterpart Katsuya Okada in Bangkok. The issue of the death of Japan-based Reuters television cameraman Muramoto was raised at the meeting.
As 91 people were killed during the street clashes the DSI needed to spend much time investigating each case thoroughly, Pol Col Narat explained.
Col Fuangvich Aniruth-deva, a secretary to Justice Minister, told a media briefing that 209 persons allegedly involved in the anti-government protests are currently in detention. (MCOT online news)
Pol Col Narat Sawettanant, deputy DSI chief and spokesman, told a news conference on Monday that the agency has received 266 cases including 145 terrorism-related cases and has conducted 42 autopsies including that of the slain Italian photographer and the Japanese cameraman.
Regarding the deaths of the two foreign journalists, Pol Col Narat explained that the DSI currently could not determine who shot either of them, the overall causes and details of their deaths. The autopsies identified only that they were shot by high-velocity bullets from the front through the back.
Italian freelance photographer Fabio Polenghi, 48, was shot dead during a military operation on May 19 while covering the clashes between troops and Red Shirt protesters at Ratchaprasong and its surrounding areas.
According to the police department's Institute of Forensic Medicine, Mr Polenghi was shot dead through his heart, lung and liver, causing him to lose a large amount of blood.
Meanwhile, Reuters cameraman Hiroyuki Muramoto, a Japanese, was killed during the clashes between government security forces and anti-government protesters at Khok Wua intersection on Rajadamnoen Avenue on the night of April 10.
In addition, the deputy DSI chief acknowledged that his agency's report differed from that of Chanasongkram Police Station which cited eyewitness accounts claiming that soldiers shot the Japanese victim.
Pol Col Narat said the DSI called in the witnesses to give testimony but they were unable to confirm that Mr Muramoto was killed by the security forces.
Currently the investigation of the Japanese continues with a lack of witnesses, he said, adding that investigators are searching for his belongings, in particular a smart phone and a digital camera which will help shed light on the case.
Pol Col Narat asserted that the DSI has not delayed the cases but continues to coordinate with Japan and Italy through diplomatic channels.
Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya on Monday met with his visiting Japanese counterpart Katsuya Okada in Bangkok. The issue of the death of Japan-based Reuters television cameraman Muramoto was raised at the meeting.
As 91 people were killed during the street clashes the DSI needed to spend much time investigating each case thoroughly, Pol Col Narat explained.
Col Fuangvich Aniruth-deva, a secretary to Justice Minister, told a media briefing that 209 persons allegedly involved in the anti-government protests are currently in detention. (MCOT online news)
