Call for release of red-shirt accused
The red shirts yesterday called on the government to seek temporary release for all defendants in "political cases" and to ensure justice for them.
Thida Thawornseth, who is the caretaker chairwoman of the red-shirt movement, made the call during yesterday's press conference. She said that the government should ensure all defendants in political cases would be granted temporary release while fighting the cases against them.
She also expressed support to the calls for amendment to Article 112 of the Penal Code involving lese majeste. Thida said the debate on the issue should be based on knowledge, and not personal vendetta.
"People who oppose the amendment should tell their reasons. Don't just think that people who want amendment are not loyal to the monarchy," she said.
The red-shirt movement's spokesman, Worawut Wichaidit, speaking at the press conference, dismissed the perception that the attempt to seek amendment to the Constitution was aimed at benefiting fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
He said the proposed charter change was aimed at benefiting the majority of Thai society.
"Thaksin is also a Thai national and he deserves justice. We are not doing this for one person only. We do it for all Thais so that our children and grandchildren will not bicker in the future," Worawut said.
In a related development, militant red-shirt leader Arisman Pongruangrong yesterday met public prosecutors in the northern province of Chiang Mai to surrender in connection with a case he was accused of inciting violence during a red shirts' protest.
After an hour-long meeting, Arisman was released on bail of Bt100,000. More than 50 red shirt supporters were present to offer him flowers and moral support at the public prosecutors' office in Muang district.
A smiling Arisman said that he had no concern with the case and that he was ready to defend any allegations against him.
Meanwhile, the Prachatai website has published a letter from red-shirt leader Surachai Danwattananusorn, calling for freedom for himself and many fellow red shirts still in degtention.
In his letter, Surachai, who is being held at the Bangkok Remand Prison for alleged lese majeste, complained about "double standards" he said was committed by the previous Democrat-led government. He said that while red shirts were sent to jail before court trial, yellow shirts got leniency for "more serious offences".
Surachai also called for an amendment to Article 112. "If I die early, take my body to protest against Article 112 until there is amendment to justice and true democracy in Thailand," he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment