Contempt charge dropped against protest leader Parit

The leader of the Free People protest group, Parit Chiwarak, aka, “Penguin”, has had a charge of contempt dropped. He had been charged after calling on activists to gather at the court on August 8 to obstruct proceedings in a case against fellow protest leaders, Anon Nampa and Panupong Jadnok. The Bangkok Post reports that the Criminal Court dropped the charge yesterday after an apology from Parit.

Fellow protest leader Anon Nampa, who also serves as Parit’s lawyer, told the court that on August 8, while attending the Criminal Court, his client had spoken out without thinking, and that he hadn’t intended to disrupt proceedings. He added that Parit understood his action was unacceptable and had given an undertaking not to break the law again. After being admonished by the court, the charge was dropped. Parit remains in prison on other charges related to anti-government rallies.

In a separate development, 4 other protesters have been charged with violating the state of emergency by attending a rally at the Pathumwan intersection in Bangkok on October 16. Yesterday, Korakot Saengyenphan, Suwanna Tarnlek, Chartchai Kaedam and Sirapob Phumpheungphut, all arrived at Pathuman police station, accompanied by their lawyers. Korakot says they refute the charges, accusing officials of introducing the State of Emergency without just cause.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Anon has been re-arrested on another protest-related charge, after being released on bail earlier this week.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post