Protests

A further 18 pro-democracy activists, including 3 protest leaders, may face prosecution

Published

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 10:35

PHOTO: Nikkei Asian Review

A human rights lawyer says a further 18 political activists, including 3 leaders of the Ratsadon pro-democracy group, may face prosecution. Noraseth Nanongtoom from the Centre for Human Rights Lawyers says the activists will appear before prosecutors today, where they face charges related to the September 19 and 20 protests at Thammasat University and Sanam Luang in Bangkok.

3 protest leaders, Panasaya Sitthijirawattanakul, Panupong Jardnok, and Chatupat Boonpattharaksa have been charged with various offences including violation of Thailand’s strict lèse majesté law, which prohibits insulting, criticising, or defaming the monarchy.

According to a Thai PBS World report, Noraseth says he plans to ask for a delay to indictment proceedings for the 18 accused, to give police more time to question defence witnesses. It’s understood a number of university lecturers and MPs from the opposition Kao Klai party are willing to act as bail guarantors for the 18. However, there is no guarantee that the court will agree to bail, particularly in the case of the 3 charged with lèse majesté offences.

Panasaya, Panupong, and Chatupat are all considered repeat offenders, in the same category as another 4 detained activists who have had their bail requests turned down. Parit Chiwarak, Anon Nampa, Somyos Prueksakasemsook, and Patiwat Saraiyaem have had their bail applications rejected by both the Criminal and Appeals Court on the grounds that they are repeat offenders and may pose a flight risk.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World

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8 Comments

Grumpy John

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 11:28 am

“Noraseth Nanongtoom from the Centre for Human Rights Lawyers says the activists will appear before prosecutors today ” My brain was reading ‘persecutors today’!

Maybe I have been using the Free Dictionary to much and it’s distorting reality! https://www.thefreedictionary.com/persecutors

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Bill Fischer

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 11:42 am

From the 3 finger salute to this sign – can Thais actually come up with their own stuff? Be more creative and stop taking the lazy way out.

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- Issan John
  
  Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 12:30 pm
  
  If it was intended for a Thai audience it would be in Thai!
  
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  - Fred glue
    
    Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 2:50 pm
    
    Right again, IJ
    
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  - Bill Fischer
    
    Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 6:52 pm
    
    If it said the same thing in Thai it would still be copying someone else. I’ve lived here for 30 years. It could be in Thai and I could read it. I’d still have the same response.
    
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Slugger

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 1:06 pm

Activists Lives Matter? Who says they dont? Just show respect. The videos of these animals hurling missiles in the direction of the police is unforgiveable. So police lives dont matter?

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- Jesus Monroe
  
  Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 7:06 pm
  
  I say both lives matter but respect has not been honoured of either side lately…….until both sides come together and reach a compromise the missiles will keep flying……as to taking the moral high ground about who is an animal is childish as best. I know my comment will probably shit you Slugs as you’re forever telling everyone to grow up so I’ll save you the trouble and tell myself to grow up……..
  
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sam

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 7:45 pm

“Three fingers salute” from Boy Scouts or Hunger Games would never bring democracy to the country.In the midst of Covid-19 virus spread that is still not contained or controlled,such non-stop protests would not be effective and would be risky to get infected.For Thailand,true democracy would never happen,as history had shown that the politicians were all self-serving and changing of governments every few years occurred regularly without fail. Furthermore,constitutions were amended or changed with each newly-formed government.Corruption is deeply rooted and it would take decades to change this culture and mindset.

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Maya Taylor

A seasoned writer, with a degree in Creative Writing. Over ten years' experience in producing blog and magazine articles, news reports and website content.

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