Seven red shirt leaders released on bail in Thailand

Seven red shirt leaders released on bail in Thailand

2011-02-22 21:59:33 GMT+7 (ICT)

BANGKOK, THAILAND (BNO NEWS) -- Seven red shirt leaders on Tuesday were released on a $19,600 bail set by the Criminal Court in Thailand, the Bangkok Post reported.

The seven leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) were charged with terrorism. The Court granted bail for the seven on the conditions that they will not get involved in any disturbances and comply with a ban against travelling abroad.

Among the released were Natthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn and Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai who were accused of leading red-shirt protesters to lay siege to the residence of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda in 2007.

The four others are Korkaew Pikulthong, Nisit Sinthuprai, Kwanchai Sarakham, and UDD guard leader Phumkitti, or Pichet Suchindathong. All were arrested in connection with the violence during the UDD protests in April-May last year.

"Today is the dawn of justice. However, there are still many other matters remaining to be clarified. I think today's court order will help reduce pressure on the people," said UDD member Thida Thavornseth and wife of one of the freed men.

UDD has planned a rally for March 12. The last demonstration took place on February 13 as 30,000 red-shirt supporters protested against Thailand's judicial system in front of the criminal court in Bangkok.

The red shirts called for justice for their detained leaders and colleagues who are being held in Bangkok Remand prison. The demonstration stemmed from the initial rejection of bail for the seven leaders.

The UDD held a 69-day demonstration last year in an effort to topple the government of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Protesters clashed with police, leaving 92 dead, including 11 soldiers and police and two foreign journalists.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-02-22