ID :
55477
Tue, 04/14/2009 - 20:59
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/55477
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Arrest warrants out for Thaksin, 12 protest leaders
BANGKOK, April 14 (TNA) - Thailand's Criminal Court on Tuesday issued arrest warrants for 13 core protest leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), including exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, currently a fugitive.
Others facing arrest for inciting protests and riots across the country during the last few days include Veera Musikapong, Weng Tojirakarn, Jatuporn Prompun, Nattawut Saikuea, Suporn Attawong, Shinawat Haa-boonpard.
They were charged with illegal assembly by more than 10 people, threatening acts of violence, disrupting traffic and inciting people to break law and cause unrest.
The move came just hours after the key UDD leaders officially announced the end of their three-week demonstration at Government House, saying they feared for their compatriots' safety as troops advanced closer to the protesters' site.
Top UDD leader Veera told the Red Shirt protesters gathered at Government House to return to their homes.
He later turned himself in to Police Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Phatcharawat Wongsuwan who came to receive him near the rally site. Mr. Nattawut and Mr. Weng also later reported to police.
UDD protesters have demonstrated against the government since March 26, demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resign unconditionally, the House of Representatives be dissolved and that fresh elections be held.
Mr. Veera earlier told the protesters that the UDD leadership decided to end the rally for the time being after learning that members of a so-called third party had mingled in the crowd to create violence intending to deteriorate the situation.
He said the UDD also feared that if the troops forced the dispersal of the protesters, the UDD supporters could be hurt.
Other UDD leaders said their move did not signify defeat, or an end to their movement, but was just a temporary stop for their activities.
However, some UDD volunteer guards and hard-core demonstrators did not want to end the demonstration and expressed their anger.
Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd said about 500 people – not wearing red—are still protesting in the Sanam Luang area.
The spokesman expressed grave concern on attempts to “mislead” the public that the military harmed the public during operations to quell riots.
Col. Sansern insisted that live bullets were used only when firing into the sky. Yet in self-defense against angry crowd, military personnel used blank bullets, the type used in drill. Medical doctors treating the injured, he said, reported those injured were hurt by bullets from firearms that are not military issue.
The spokesman acknowledged information on plans apparently in operation for further acts of sabotage Tuesday night, leading to the military is readjusting their deployments in 50 districts of Bangkok in coordination with police.
Col. Sansern said the company of troops stationed in the Sanam Luang area will also seek to conduct public information campaign, urging the public to observe the Emergency Decree by not protesting. (TNA)
Others facing arrest for inciting protests and riots across the country during the last few days include Veera Musikapong, Weng Tojirakarn, Jatuporn Prompun, Nattawut Saikuea, Suporn Attawong, Shinawat Haa-boonpard.
They were charged with illegal assembly by more than 10 people, threatening acts of violence, disrupting traffic and inciting people to break law and cause unrest.
The move came just hours after the key UDD leaders officially announced the end of their three-week demonstration at Government House, saying they feared for their compatriots' safety as troops advanced closer to the protesters' site.
Top UDD leader Veera told the Red Shirt protesters gathered at Government House to return to their homes.
He later turned himself in to Police Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Phatcharawat Wongsuwan who came to receive him near the rally site. Mr. Nattawut and Mr. Weng also later reported to police.
UDD protesters have demonstrated against the government since March 26, demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resign unconditionally, the House of Representatives be dissolved and that fresh elections be held.
Mr. Veera earlier told the protesters that the UDD leadership decided to end the rally for the time being after learning that members of a so-called third party had mingled in the crowd to create violence intending to deteriorate the situation.
He said the UDD also feared that if the troops forced the dispersal of the protesters, the UDD supporters could be hurt.
Other UDD leaders said their move did not signify defeat, or an end to their movement, but was just a temporary stop for their activities.
However, some UDD volunteer guards and hard-core demonstrators did not want to end the demonstration and expressed their anger.
Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd said about 500 people – not wearing red—are still protesting in the Sanam Luang area.
The spokesman expressed grave concern on attempts to “mislead” the public that the military harmed the public during operations to quell riots.
Col. Sansern insisted that live bullets were used only when firing into the sky. Yet in self-defense against angry crowd, military personnel used blank bullets, the type used in drill. Medical doctors treating the injured, he said, reported those injured were hurt by bullets from firearms that are not military issue.
The spokesman acknowledged information on plans apparently in operation for further acts of sabotage Tuesday night, leading to the military is readjusting their deployments in 50 districts of Bangkok in coordination with police.
Col. Sansern said the company of troops stationed in the Sanam Luang area will also seek to conduct public information campaign, urging the public to observe the Emergency Decree by not protesting. (TNA)
