Dozens of protester arrests since emergency decree was imposed
Dozens of people have been arrested since the State of Emergency was imposed early Thursday morning to break up a pro-democracy protest. The government order bans people from holding public gatherings of more than 5 people until November 13, but hundreds and thousands of people have continued to gather. Police warn they can arrest those who violate the order.
74 people have been arrested since Thursday, according to Nation Thailand. While many have reportedly been arrested for violating the emergency decree, 2 protesters face life in prison for alleged intention to harm HM the Queen’s liberty during a royal motorcade, which happened on the same route as a pro-democracy protest on Wednesday. Police are also looking to press charges on protesters who allegedly broke the window of a traffic police box at the Bang Na intersection during a protest last night.
Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Piya Tawichai told Nation Thailand he estimates 20,000 have participated in demonstrations over the past few days. 12 police teams are ready to be deployed at rallies today. One of the rallies will be outside the Bangkok Remand Prison.
The emergency decree was imposed early Thursday morning, breaking up a protest outside the Government House and leading to the arrest of more than 20 people. Since then, protesters have gathered every evening, calling for the release of their fellow activists as well as their demands: the resignation of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, a rewrite of the Thai constitution and an end to the military-run government.
A student activist at a demonstration on Saturday evening said a number of people are missing and they are calling on the police to release them.
“We are angry … People are still missing and we are worried about them.”
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
