Court acquits 24 Red-shirt leaders over 2010 hotel raid, citing expression and protest rights

By THE NATION

 

NATIONPHOTO

 

Police and pro-government protesters form a barricade to deter red-shirt gatherers at a location near a Pattaya hotel nine years ago. File photo:

 

All 24 “Red-shirt” protest leaders in charge of a hotel raid at the Asean leaders’ meeting in Pattaya nine years ago have been acquitted.

 

The Criminal Court said in its ruling issued today (August 14) that it found no evidence in either the prosecution report or the plaintiffs’ testimony that all of the 24 had resorted to violence or executed any acts deemed terrorism in their 2010 rally.

 

The 24 defendants included core leaders Jatuporn Prompan and Nattawut Saikua, United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship chairman Weerakan Musikapong, as well as former singer Arisman Pongruengrong.

 

The Court also ruled that in their roles related to the rally, the defendants were executing their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.

 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has taunted the defendants for their silence so far over their acquittal, saying: "Why don't they come out and brand the judiciary as unfair again, like they always do when the previous verdicts are not in favour of them?”

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30374740

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2019-08-14

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Well this is a good start towards a little more freedom in Thailand.

 

 

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

"Why don't they come out and brand the judiciary as unfair again, like they always do when the previous verdicts are not in favour of them?”

 

Because the courts probably came up with this verdict just so you Prayuth could make such a glib comment. 

 

A sop to the opposition, that is all.

42 minutes ago, webfact said:

The Court also ruled that in their roles related to the rally, the defendants were executing their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.

 

I wonder what the result would be if they held a similar "rally" against the current government? I will give very short odds that there would be a very different verdict.

Quote

The Criminal Court said in its ruling issued today (August 14) that it found no evidence in either the prosecution report or the plaintiffs’ testimony that all of the 24 had resorted to violence or executed any acts deemed terrorism in their 2010 rally.

So after 10 years they find there was no evidence unbelievable.

15 hours ago, webfact said:

"Why don't they come out and brand the judiciary as unfair again, like they always do when the previous verdicts are not in favour of them?”

Hope he stuck his tongue out when he said it.  They are probably still pinching themselves after the verdict. 

17 hours ago, Chang_paarp said:

I wonder what the result would be if they held a similar "rally" against the current government? I will give very short odds that there would be a very different verdict.

And in less than 9 years.

Wow, What a comment. Prayut's a man of great standing and maturity.

 

I believe the response he received was Nah na, Nah na na.

20 hours ago, webfact said:

"Why don't they come out and brand the judiciary as unfair again, like they always do when the previous verdicts are not in favour of them?”

I think because the ruling was just a quid pro quo.

Justice had little to do with the ruling.

After the Courts dismissed similar charges against the PDRC's 2013/2014 street protests and occupation of government offices in protests against the Yingluck regime as merely executing their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, it could not credibly rule now the opposite against “Red-shirt” protest leaders (albeit without a lot of public criticism and tension).

Taken in the whole, the Court has shown sensitivity to politics and not to the Rule of Law.

That's a win for Prayut and pro-military factions.

20 hours ago, monkfish said:

So after 10 years they find there was no evidence unbelievable.

A reminder to those considering seeking justice in a Thai court. Often, the speed of that process is glacial, and can leave you retired or in the grave before justice is done.

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

I think because the ruling was just a quid pro quo.

Justice had little to do with the ruling.

After the Courts dismissed similar charges against the PDRC's 2013/2014 street protests and occupation of government offices in protests against the Yingluck regime as merely executing their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, it could not credibly rule now the opposite against “Red-shirt” protest leaders (albeit without a lot of public criticism and tension).

Taken in the whole, the Court has shown sensitivity to politics and not to the Rule of Law.

That's a win for Prayut and pro-military factions.

Quid pro quo or perhaps political expediency to give the impression of fairness. If there is justice, many of the corrupt generals will be in jail and Suthep will get a fast sentencing.  

Oh well...