Two Bangkok bomb suspects to face martial court

[webfact]

Two bomb suspects to face martial court
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police said the two bomb suspects who have been arrested will face trial in the martial court.

Police said the Metropolitan Police Bureau is now in the process of transferring the case to the military case. The transfer is expected to be done next week, a police source said.

The two suspects are Meiraili Yusufu, who was arrested in Sa Kaew, and Adem Karadag, who was arrested at a Bangkok apartment.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Two-bomb-suspects-to-face-martial-court-30268392.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-08

[cracker1]

Thought he had just bee transferred from the Military to the Police ?

[soalbundy]

Thought he had just bee transferred from the Military to the Police ?

It's where the firing squad is, i hope.

[noitom]

Presumably, the international terrorists will have their own counsel/lawyers.

[ChrisY1]

Rushing through the military courts, IMO, is quite premature........nothing in reality, that we have seen or read is cast in concrete....We can only assume that the authorities have much more compelling evidence, to send these guys to a military court, than we have seen.

Once convicted, there is no appeal for these people.....to my mind, I think it's unfair, unless we, the Thai public, are also privy to the evidence

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

The "advantage" of the military court here, I gather, is that the cases can be done essentially in private, without the authorities having to prove their case, or present their evidence in public. At least, that's my understanding of how Thai military court cases have been handled in the past.

Quick, clean, no messy public details or explanations. No having to deal with the China or Turkey issues in public, etc etc.

[toooa]

Two Bangkok bum suspects to face marital court?

[Thai at Heart]

I can only conclude that they don't want anything out in public. Why? It only opens the trial open to accusation of a wash job. Just hold the case in normal court if it is so obvious that these guys did it.

[Roadman]

Thought he had just bee transferred from the Military to the Police ?

It's where the firing squad is, i hope.

Tending to think that way as well. And as much of a supporter for the current Junta can not do anything but disagree with this move. They were international citizens killed by other international citizens so logical states they should be tried in an open criminal court where the international community can see justice undertaken. Bad move Khun Prayut.

[gk10002000]

Thought he had just bee transferred from the Military to the Police ?

It's where the firing squad is, i hope.

Nah. I think it is better to get more information from them first. I would think just the threat of putting them in some of those fine Thai prisons would be enough to loosen their tongues.

[beano2274]

Martial court never heard of that, but heard of a military court giving out a court martial, but since the two accused are not soldiers then cannot see a court martial being a result.

Edited September 8, 2015 by beano2274

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I think the poorly worded article just means sending them to a military court, not a court martial.

AFAIK, the current government still has the authority to send what would otherwise be normal criminal cases to military courts under the current junta rules -- similar to what was done with the protesting students group recently.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/854153-facing-jail-for-sedition-thai-student-protesters-refuse-to-back-down/

[webfact]

BANGKOK BOMB BLAST
Bomb suspects to face trial in civilian criminal courts: PM
THE NATION



Legal process need to meet international standards; ministry estimates cost of blast

BANGKOK: -- SUSPECTS linked to bomb attacks in Bangkok last month will face trial in civilian criminal courts - not a military court, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday.

Prayut said the cases were serious for both Thai and foreign suspects allegedly involved in the incidents and the justice process had to be universally acceptable. Earlier, police reportedly planned to transfer the cases to the military court.

Meanwhile, tourism chiefs have reported an estimated loss of 1.33 million foreign tourists and potential income of Bt64 billion due to the deadly attack at the Erawan Shrine.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry said the dramas in Bangkok on August 17 and 18 led to many countries issuing travel warnings about the Kingdom. Economic impacts were expected to be most damaging in August and this month. If there are no further incidents, a recovery in the tourism industry is expected in the last quarter of this year.

The ministry said it would launch international media and promotional campaigns to restore confidence in Thailand and urge foreign visitors to come back from September to December this year.

The bomb blast at Ratchaprasong intersection in the heart of Bangkok on August 17 was described as the worst attack on Thai soil in recent memory, with 20 killed and more than 100 injured. The following day, a second bomb went off near Sathorn Pier but caused no casualties.

To date, authorities have arrested two suspects. They were identified as Mieraili Yusufu, a Chinese national of Uighur ethnicity, and Adem Karadag, who carries what appears to be a fake Turkish passport.

The alleged mastermind, Abu Dustar Abdulrahman or 'Izan', is reported to have flown out via Suvarnabhumi Airport on August 16. His air ticket showed he was headed for Bangladesh.

National Police Commissioner Pol General Somyot Poompanmuang said yesterday the recent Bangkok bombings clearly involved foreign elements. Authorities were still verifying reports that money had been transferred from overseas to fund the bomb attacks.

The Turkish embassy, when contacted by The Nation, declined to make any comment yesterday. Sources said officials from the embassy had taken part in the interrogation of the two suspects in custody.

Mieraili, 26, was yesterday brought to two apartments and a chemical shop in Bangkok to re-enact his alleged crime. He was allegedly the bomb-maker.

According to informed sources, Mieraili confessed that he had shared the same apartment with Karadag, where a huge amount of bomb-making materials were found on August 26.

Ongoing investigations also reveal that Mieraili is close to Izan and knows the suspect seen in a blue shirt, wanted for causing the blast near Sathorn Pier.

According to sources, Mieraili formerly studied at Xinjiang Medical University but failed to pass the exam needed to secure a degree in medical technology. He then left China's Xinjiang, heading to Guangzhou and then Malaysia.

"He sold cell-phones in Ramkhamhaeng area [in Bangkok] for about six months," a source said, adding that an Internet-browsing history showed Mieraili also searched for a place to study in Turkey via the Internet.

Several organisations, including the Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, will today hold talks to arrange lawyers for the bomb suspects.

"We still haven't received a lawyers' request from the suspects. However, as we are a foundation to help fellow Muslims and have the experience on the similar cases in the Far South, we are ready to provide legal assistance to the suspects," foundation secretary- general Sithipong Chantharawiroj said.

His foundation will meet today with the Sheikhul Islam Office, Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre and NGOs who work with Uighur migrants.

Sithipong said suspects connected to the recent bombings do not have a lawyer yet.

Meanwhile, Somyot said a taxi driver had aroused police suspicion because he gave confusing statements regarding a ride he gave to a bomb suspect.

"He apparently tried to hide some information. Initially, he said he didn't know the foreign suspect. But evidence suggests he had provided services to the foreigner several times," Somyot said.

He said the taxi driver could face legal action, even though he was not directly involved in the plot to stage the bomb attacks.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Bomb-suspects-to-face-trial-in-civilian-criminal-c-30268447.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-09

[englishoak]

Hmmm So is that civilian or military court then ?

Heck why not just go 50/50 and have one each ?

[MaxLee]

The "advantage" of the military court here, I gather, is that the cases can be done essentially in private, without the authorities having to prove their case, or present their evidence in public. At least, that's my understanding of how Thai military court cases have been handled in the past.

Quick, clean, no messy public details or explanations. No having to deal with the China or Turkey issues in public, etc etc.

Yup, rug those 2 sacrificial scapegoat lambs quickly under the carpet with article number not-to-be-named and business as usual...

No further investigation and evidence or international negotiating required....

Just quick fix easy peasy lazy dazy way

[metisdead]

Please use discretion in your references to the government. Phrases which can be considered as anti-coup will be removed. Referring to Thailand or the government as a dictatorship, military dictatorship or other such terms will be removed.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Well, it seems as though The Nation's initial police "sources" weren't so reliable, or, the government did a quick about-face on the military court trial approach.

Either way, it's better that the cases be tried in civilian courts, both for the defendants and the public at large -- not that Thai civilian courts are especially open in terms of allowing media access to and reporting on their proceedings. But at least, more open than their military counterparts here.

[Srikcir]

Legal assistance provided by the Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation might be a "game changer" for the case against the suspects.

Up to now the Junta and the police have controlled public information, albeit often with contradictory, confusing, misleading and unsubstantiated statements. Suspects have been held incognito even from their own embassies by the military with no rights.

The MACF is experienced with Thai military and police abuses and should present a vigorous defense for the accused muslims. Prayut may not appreciate increased public access by the accused through MACF and put further restrictions on public media to control the dialog. Bottom line is that with MACF involvement, the bombing case is not going to conclude anytime soon.

[Bignose]

I would be happy to see them appear in any court, as long as they get a fair trial with all evidence being scrutinized and confirmed as legitimate.

If they are found guilty after a full and transparent trial then they should suffer the harshest of whatever penalties are available.

The terrorist act of using indiscriminate and very deadly bombs is the most heinous of crimes, it is the murder of many regardless of age, gender or religion.

It strikes at the very heart of society with the ultimate aim of intimidating a people, they have shown no mercy to their victims so they deserve no mercy themselves if found guilty...

[jaywalker]

Martial court never heard of that, but heard of a military court giving out a court martial, but since the two accused are not soldiers then cannot see a court martial being a result.

Military tribunal? Kind of like Nuremburg or Gitmo I suppose.

No worries. They've already back-pedaled & said something else.

--------------------------------

Martial Court did make me think of Judge Roy Bean & his Marshall's court though.

1:37 into this one.

Edited September 9, 2015 by jaywalker

[Emster23]

"The ministry said it would launch international media and promotional campaigns to restore confidence in Thailand" I can see it now: "Come to Thailand and experience Thainess with your own trial. We meet international standards!"

""We still haven't received a lawyers' request from the suspects." A bit of a challenge to request lawyer whilst in the middle of waterboarding I would think. Glub glub.

A bit late for international standards... should have had attorney from the start, and I don't know of other countries that force suspect to "re-enact" the crime they are accused of before a trial...... maybe someone can help us on that?

[Ulic]

Somehow I doubt any of these guys will get a two year suspended sentence like the Tiger Disco

group even though some are possibly first time offenders.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

One noteworthy issue here -- which clearly hasn't bothered the reward-receiving Thai police thus far -- is that they have NOT arrested the guy who actually did the Erawan bombing -- at least if the various officials' public statements are to be believed.

They got a couple guys who allegedly had some roles in the broader plot. But not the actual bomber himself, nor, if the reports are to be believed, neither have they arrested the main guy who supposedly was the leader of the overall plot.

How many times can they reward themselves over and over again for catching various players supposedly involved, but not the actual bomber or ringleader?

[Thai at Heart]

BANGKOK BOMB BLAST

Bomb suspects to face trial in civilian criminal courts: PM

THE NATION

Legal process need to meet international standards; ministry estimates cost of blast

BANGKOK: -- SUSPECTS linked to bomb attacks in Bangkok last month will face trial in civilian criminal courts - not a military court, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday.

Prayut said the cases were serious for both Thai and foreign suspects allegedly involved in the incidents and the justice process had to be universally acceptable. Earlier, police reportedly planned to transfer the cases to the military court.

Meanwhile, tourism chiefs have reported an estimated loss of 1.33 million foreign tourists and potential income of Bt64 billion due to the deadly attack at the Erawan Shrine.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry said the dramas in Bangkok on August 17 and 18 led to many countries issuing travel warnings about the Kingdom. Economic impacts were expected to be most damaging in August and this month. If there are no further incidents, a recovery in the tourism industry is expected in the last quarter of this year.

The ministry said it would launch international media and promotional campaigns to restore confidence in Thailand and urge foreign visitors to come back from September to December this year.

The bomb blast at Ratchaprasong intersection in the heart of Bangkok on August 17 was described as the worst attack on Thai soil in recent memory, with 20 killed and more than 100 injured. The following day, a second bomb went off near Sathorn Pier but caused no casualties.

To date, authorities have arrested two suspects. They were identified as Mieraili Yusufu, a Chinese national of Uighur ethnicity, and Adem Karadag, who carries what appears to be a fake Turkish passport.

The alleged mastermind, Abu Dustar Abdulrahman or 'Izan', is reported to have flown out via Suvarnabhumi Airport on August 16. His air ticket showed he was headed for Bangladesh.

National Police Commissioner Pol General Somyot Poompanmuang said yesterday the recent Bangkok bombings clearly involved foreign elements. Authorities were still verifying reports that money had been transferred from overseas to fund the bomb attacks.

The Turkish embassy, when contacted by The Nation, declined to make any comment yesterday. Sources said officials from the embassy had taken part in the interrogation of the two suspects in custody.

Mieraili, 26, was yesterday brought to two apartments and a chemical shop in Bangkok to re-enact his alleged crime. He was allegedly the bomb-maker.

According to informed sources, Mieraili confessed that he had shared the same apartment with Karadag, where a huge amount of bomb-making materials were found on August 26.

Ongoing investigations also reveal that Mieraili is close to Izan and knows the suspect seen in a blue shirt, wanted for causing the blast near Sathorn Pier.

According to sources, Mieraili formerly studied at Xinjiang Medical University but failed to pass the exam needed to secure a degree in medical technology. He then left China's Xinjiang, heading to Guangzhou and then Malaysia.

"He sold cell-phones in Ramkhamhaeng area [in Bangkok] for about six months," a source said, adding that an Internet-browsing history showed Mieraili also searched for a place to study in Turkey via the Internet.

Several organisations, including the Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, will today hold talks to arrange lawyers for the bomb suspects.

"We still haven't received a lawyers' request from the suspects. However, as we are a foundation to help fellow Muslims and have the experience on the similar cases in the Far South, we are ready to provide legal assistance to the suspects," foundation secretary- general Sithipong Chantharawiroj said.

His foundation will meet today with the Sheikhul Islam Office, Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre and NGOs who work with Uighur migrants.

Sithipong said suspects connected to the recent bombings do not have a lawyer yet.

Meanwhile, Somyot said a taxi driver had aroused police suspicion because he gave confusing statements regarding a ride he gave to a bomb suspect.

"He apparently tried to hide some information. Initially, he said he didn't know the foreign suspect. But evidence suggests he had provided services to the foreigner several times," Somyot said.

He said the taxi driver could face legal action, even though he was not directly involved in the plot to stage the bomb attacks.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Bomb-suspects-to-face-trial-in-civilian-criminal-c-30268447.html

-- The Nation 2015-09-09

Pass the parcel. When will the music stop....

A confession gained under military interrogation. They will rescind their pleas at the first chance and then the circus will start all over again.

Edited September 9, 2015 by Thai at Heart

[farangmick]

"The ministry said it would launch international media and promotional campaigns to restore confidence in Thailand" I can see it now: "Come to Thailand and experience Thainess with your own trial. We meet international standards!"

""We still haven't received a lawyers' request from the suspects." A bit of a challenge to request lawyer whilst in the middle of waterboarding I would think. Glub glub.

A bit late for international standards... should have had attorney from the start, and I don't know of other countries that force suspect to "re-enact" the crime they are accused of before a trial...... maybe someone can help us on that?

More TV and newspaper coverage for the senior officers all after the DFPM (Distinguished Pointing Finger Medal. Very important decoration, second only to the DFPC).

[speedtripler]

BANGKOK BOMB BLAST

Bomb suspects to face trial in civilian criminal courts: PM

THE NATION

Legal process need to meet international standards; ministry estimates cost of blast

BANGKOK: -- SUSPECTS linked to bomb attacks in Bangkok last month will face trial in civilian criminal courts - not a military court, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday.

Prayut said the cases were serious for both Thai and foreign suspects allegedly involved in the incidents and the justice process had to be universally acceptable. Earlier, police reportedly planned to transfer the cases to the military court.

Meanwhile, tourism chiefs have reported an estimated loss of 1.33 million foreign tourists and potential income of Bt64 billion due to the deadly attack at the Erawan Shrine.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry said the dramas in Bangkok on August 17 and 18 led to many countries issuing travel warnings about the Kingdom. Economic impacts were expected to be most damaging in August and this month. If there are no further incidents, a recovery in the tourism industry is expected in the last quarter of this year.

The ministry said it would launch international media and promotional campaigns to restore confidence in Thailand and urge foreign visitors to come back from September to December this year.

The bomb blast at Ratchaprasong intersection in the heart of Bangkok on August 17 was described as the worst attack on Thai soil in recent memory, with 20 killed and more than 100 injured. The following day, a second bomb went off near Sathorn Pier but caused no casualties.

To date, authorities have arrested two suspects. They were identified as Mieraili Yusufu, a Chinese national of Uighur ethnicity, and Adem Karadag, who carries what appears to be a fake Turkish passport.

The alleged mastermind, Abu Dustar Abdulrahman or 'Izan', is reported to have flown out via Suvarnabhumi Airport on August 16. His air ticket showed he was headed for Bangladesh.

National Police Commissioner Pol General Somyot Poompanmuang said yesterday the recent Bangkok bombings clearly involved foreign elements. Authorities were still verifying reports that money had been transferred from overseas to fund the bomb attacks.

The Turkish embassy, when contacted by The Nation, declined to make any comment yesterday. Sources said officials from the embassy had taken part in the interrogation of the two suspects in custody.

Mieraili, 26, was yesterday brought to two apartments and a chemical shop in Bangkok to re-enact his alleged crime. He was allegedly the bomb-maker.

According to informed sources, Mieraili confessed that he had shared the same apartment with Karadag, where a huge amount of bomb-making materials were found on August 26.

Ongoing investigations also reveal that Mieraili is close to Izan and knows the suspect seen in a blue shirt, wanted for causing the blast near Sathorn Pier.

According to sources, Mieraili formerly studied at Xinjiang Medical University but failed to pass the exam needed to secure a degree in medical technology. He then left China's Xinjiang, heading to Guangzhou and then Malaysia.

"He sold cell-phones in Ramkhamhaeng area [in Bangkok] for about six months," a source said, adding that an Internet-browsing history showed Mieraili also searched for a place to study in Turkey via the Internet.

Several organisations, including the Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, will today hold talks to arrange lawyers for the bomb suspects.

"We still haven't received a lawyers' request from the suspects. However, as we are a foundation to help fellow Muslims and have the experience on the similar cases in the Far South, we are ready to provide legal assistance to the suspects," foundation secretary- general Sithipong Chantharawiroj said.

His foundation will meet today with the Sheikhul Islam Office, Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre and NGOs who work with Uighur migrants.

Sithipong said suspects connected to the recent bombings do not have a lawyer yet.

Meanwhile, Somyot said a taxi driver had aroused police suspicion because he gave confusing statements regarding a ride he gave to a bomb suspect.

"He apparently tried to hide some information. Initially, he said he didn't know the foreign suspect. But evidence suggests he had provided services to the foreigner several times," Somyot said.

He said the taxi driver could face legal action, even though he was not directly involved in the plot to stage the bomb attacks.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Bomb-suspects-to-face-trial-in-civilian-criminal-c-30268447.html

-- The Nation 2015-09-09

Pass the parcel. When will the music stop....

A confession gained under military interrogation. They will rescind their pleas at the first chance and then the circus will start all over again.

I was under the impression The whole point of a military court is they can do whatever they want and it can't be televised by media , and there are no appeals etc so if they decide to crucify this guy nobody can stop them