Koh Tao verdict expected on Dec 24

[StealthEnergiser]

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Andy Hall‏@Atomicalandy

MWRN reminder all our work to contribute to justice on Koh Tao murder case was possible because of public support

[HUH]

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Press AssociationVerified account‏@PA

Press Association Retweeted David Mercer

Our reporter @DavidMercerPA is in Thailand ahead of the verdicts in the Koh Tao double murder trial

Press Association added,

David Mercer @DavidMercerPA

Verdicts in the trial of 2 men accused of murdering Hannah Witheridge and David Miller in Koh Tao will be heard from 9am local time (2am UK)

@StealthEnergiser.........many thanks for the useful updates please keep the news on twitter coming, especially at 9am tomorrow!!

[evadgib]

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Press AssociationVerified account‏@PA

Press Association Retweeted David Mercer

Our reporter @DavidMercerPA is in Thailand ahead of the verdicts in the Koh Tao double murder trial

Press Association added,

David Mercer @DavidMercerPA

Verdicts in the trial of 2 men accused of murdering Hannah Witheridge and David Miller in Koh Tao will be heard from 9am local time (2am UK)

Dude, other people DO have twitter. Why the need to post all these links?

I don't have twitter and am very grateful for them. Keep up the good work Stealth

Many don't have twitter but know where to find/access it.

How about pinning applicable accounts at the top of the page?

[Jonathan Fairfield]

DOUBLE MURDERS

Judgement in Koh Tao murder case due today

Pratch Rujivanarom,

Suwannee Bandisak

The Nation

Activist, lawyer say flaw in the prosecution will help Myanmar defendants

BANGKOK:-- A KEY defence lawyer in the high-profile Koh Tao double-murder case expects good news for the two suspects, both Myanmar nationals, when the court deliver its verdict this morning.

"The case against the two defendants, after all, was unjustified to begin with," Nakhon Chomphuchat said yesterday, referring to the legal proceedings against Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun on charges of brutally murdering two British tourists on the otherwise-idyllic island of Koh Tao, in Surat Thani province, in September 2014.

The brutal crimes against the Britons made headlines both locally and internationally, with authorities from not just Thailand but also the United Kingdom and Myanmar stepping in to look into the case.

Since the two migrant suspects complained that they had been forced into confessing to crimes they did not commit, they have received help from many quarters, including the Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN).

According to British activist Andy Hall, who is the head of MWRN, Zaw Lin said yesterday: "I hope we will be released from prison tomorrow. We are confident of receiving justice in tomorrow's judgement in our case."

Hall, who is based in Thailand, specialises in protecting the rights of Myanmar labourers and exposing abuses.

He has actively worked alongside Nakhon in defending the two Myanmar migrants. In their eyes, there are many flaws in the evidence used to prosecute the two workers.

"The investigation and charges were conducted improperly, without any lawyers or witnesses present. There was also no translator for the defendants, and the gathering of DNA samples was done unwillingly," Nakhon said.

He said the defendants had also been forced to confess to the crimes through a combination of torture and threats.

Moreover, there was no evidence of their DNA being found on the hoe that was used to kill the victims, he added.

"There was also a lack of significant plaintiff evidence against the defendants, and the DNA evidence on the plaintiff side was unreliable because it was gathered, tested and analysed improperly, and not in accordance with the international standard," he stressed.

Some officials at the Central Institute of Forensic Science have even agreed to serve as defence witnesses.

Nakhon said Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were in good spirits yesterday and confident of receiving justice in their favour.

According to Hall's tweets, the two defendants indeed seemed hopeful but clearly a little tense and nervous over the upcoming reading of the verdict.

Their mothers travelled to Surat Thani province yesterday as they prepared to attend the court's verdict-reading session.

Accompanied by officials from the Myanmar Embassy, they appeared to be feeling under stress.

No matter which way today's long-awaited verdict by Samui Provincial Court goes, there is a strong possibility that an appeal will be filed - and that legal proceedings will therefore drag on further.

"It is up to the court to judge on this case tomorrow [Thursday], but the case will not be over, as an appeal will surely follow," Nakhon said.

Hall added that both MWRN and the lawyers involved in the case had assured the Myanmar defendants that they would continue to support and, if necessary, defend them, whatever today's ruling turns out to be.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Judgement-in-Koh-Tao-murder-case-due-today-30275563.html

-- The Nation 2015-12-24

[Basil B]

We are only hours away from a verdict, whatever the judges decide will be controversial...

Hannah's and David's families will be missing them at Christmas just like last year, but even worse they will be told Christmas Eve of the goings on in Thailand which ever way the judges decide, it will not bring closure any nearer.

[T_Dog]

We will know soon whether the rule of law was sold to the highest bidder, or whether an attempt is being made on doing the right thing.

[Happy Grumpy]

Good luck boys.

[StealthEnergiser]

Hannah Witheridge murder accused ‘confident’ of acquittal

The battered bodies of Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Hemsby, and David Miller, 24, from Jersey, were discovered on a beach on the idyllic holiday island of Koh Tao on September 15 last year.

Burmese migrants Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, also known as Win Zaw Htun, initially confessed to the killings but later retracted their statements - claiming they had been tortured by police. They face the death penalty if found guilty.

Three judges are expected to return their verdicts at a court on the island of Koh Samui following more than a year of legal proceedings.

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/hannah_witheridge_murder_accused_confident_of_acquittal_1_4358351

[StealthEnergiser]

The key elements in the trial of the two men accused of murdering Hemsby’s Hannah Witheridge and David Miller

06:00 23 December 2015

For many it’s the time when loved ones flock home, ready to spend a magical few days surrounded by those closest to them.

But for the grieving families of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, December 24, 2015 will be a date forever associated with something no parent, sister or brother should have to go through.

For, at around 6am British time, they will learn the verdicts into the trials of Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo (also known as Win Zaw Tun), the Burmese migrant workers accused of killing the pair and leaving their bodies dumped on a beach on the tiny island of Koh Tao.

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/the_key_elements_in_the_trial_of_the_two_men_accused_of_murdering_hemsby_s_hannah_witheridge_and_david_miller_1_4357370

[cumgranosalum]

My feeling is that any verdict will be full of words and devoid of any logic.

[MaxLee]

Last minute bribes going on behind closed doors between the influential mafia and judges, wanna bet????

My feeling is that any verdict will be full of words and devoid of any logic.

Exactly what I was thinking.....

[Nigeone]

This could be a turning point in Thai justice or put it back years...The General could come out of this very well if he has half a brain but that is doubtful....Sadly I don't think this case will be over at 9 ish today...and god knows what's going to happen then !

[cumgranosalum]

This could be a turning point in Thai justice or put it back years...The General could come out of this very well if he has half a brain but that is doubtful....Sadly I don't think this case will be over at 9 ish today...and god knows what's going to happen then !

Either way that would be a turning point?

I think fudge will be the order of the day.

[Nigeone]

Last minute bribes going on behind closed doors between the influential mafia and judges, wanna bet????

My feeling is that any verdict will be full of words and devoid of any logic.

Exactly what I was thinking.....

They, the judges would be incredibly stupid after what's gone in the court case !! If there bought it will come back and bite them big time....do they care. Not sure if they do!

[MaxLee]

This could be a turning point in Thai justice or put it back years...The General could come out of this very well if he has half a brain but that is doubtful....Sadly I don't think this case will be over at 9 ish today...and god knows what's going to happen then !

Either way that would be a turning point?

I think fudge will be the order of the day.

Or delayed until next summer, because one or two judges suddenly got seriously ill or whatever........

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Last minute bribes going on behind closed doors between the influential mafia and judges, wanna bet????

Bribes were taken early in the investigation to protect the guilty. Whether they go to prison or not the objective achieved already. A guilty verdict only adds insult to injury.

[MaxLee]

Last minute bribes going on behind closed doors between the influential mafia and judges, wanna bet????

My feeling is that any verdict will be full of words and devoid of any logic.

Exactly what I was thinking.....

They, the judges would be incredibly stupid after what's gone in the court case !! If three bought it will come back and bite them big time....do they care. Not sure if they do!

Aaaah, please,..... Stupidity in the name of "saving face" aka FACE-sanity is a specialty in the Land of smiles.....

[MaxLee]

Last minute bribes going on behind closed doors between the influential mafia and judges, wanna bet????

Bribes were taken early in the investigation to protect the guilty. Whether they go to prison or not the objective achieved already. A guilty verdict only adds insult to injury.

Yes of course, clear as crystal bribes have been taken early,... but the greediness of influentials knows no limits, aka bribe your hearts out until there's no tomorrow....

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

I see the two Burmese as victims after the Victims with the guilty still at large.

[Nigeone]

Last minute bribes going on behind closed doors between the influential mafia and judges, wanna bet????

My feeling is that any verdict will be full of words and devoid of any logic.

Exactly what I was thinking.....

They, the judges would be incredibly stupid after what's gone in the court case !! If three bought it will come back and bite them big time....do they care. Not sure if they do!

Aaaah, please,..... Stupidity in the name of "saving face" aka FACE-sanity is a specialty in the Land of smiles.....

Yes I agree with you and saving face in Thailand is what it's about...But I was referring to the outside world and it won't go down well .This travesty is not going away I feel and there's a big story in this case..That's why I think they would be stupid to be bought...Not saying they won't be mind ! And I also agree with the other poster that massive amounts of money has already changed hands to get this far..

[StealthEnergiser]

Without evidence I can't see a guilty verdict being announced .

The B2 should be released today and The General should go after the real perps leaving no stone unturned in a new investigation including going after any people that have covered for the real crims.

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Two boys...One judge...Two doors and One key. Will it be the key to The Door Of Freedom or to The Door Of Hell? If they thought i would be too busy with the holiday festivities, then they were dead wrong.

[Nigeone]

Two boys...One judge...Two doors and One key. Will it be the key to The Door Of Freedom or to The Door Of Hell? If they thought i would be too busy with the holiday festivities, then they were dead wrong.

Yes me too...And I thought it was no coincidence that the timing should be today...I posted just before on my Facebook page a brief summery and pics of Hannah and David and surprised at the awareness there is.. If it's true about the upcoming channel 4 documentary on this trial then they really had better get this right !UK newspapers and TV if they get there teeth into something it spells big trouble for authorities..

[sartoric]

Without evidence I can't see a guilty verdict being announced .

The B2 should be released today and The General should go after the real perps leaving no stone unturned in a new investigation including going after any people that have covered for the real crims.

Of course, that's what should happen, I'm hopeful it will. Good luck to the B2.

Edit to correct meaning.

[condo bought]

the verdict was decided when Prayuth publicly declared that he had looked at the evidence and they were guilty.

The leader of a country publicly declaring such a thing may be seen as a complete and utter farce in most countries, could even be submitted as reason to declare a mistrial, but hey, there ya go.

[Richard Hall]

Amazing, the virtual Judge Dredds are once again quicker in their judgements than the judges of the court. What took the latter so long because the case was already solved months ago in this forum.

[zyphodb]

the verdict was decided when Prayuth publicly declared that he had looked at the evidence and they were guilty.

The leader of a country publicly declaring such a thing may be seen as a complete and utter farce in most countries, could even be submitted as reason to declare a mistrial, but hey, there ya go.

I'm afraid I have got to agree with Condo, there is no way that the judges are going to risk the head honcho losing face, I'm sure that they'd think that it might be very unhealthy for them....

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Two boys...One judge...Two doors and One key. Will it be the key to The Door Of Freedom or to The Door Of Hell? If they thought i would be too busy with the holiday festivities, then they were dead wrong.

Yes me too...And I thought it was no coincidence that the timing should be today...I posted just before on my Facebook page a brief summery and pics of Hannah and David and surprised at the awareness there is.. If it's true about the upcoming channel 4 documentary on this trial then they really had better get this right !UK newspapers and TV if they get there teeth into something it spells big trouble for authorities..

The defence have done their part. Now there should be every international news outlets covering this since the local media is under a ban and will probabbly play it down. Social media and live coverage is paramount.

[Nigeone]

the verdict was decided when Prayuth publicly declared that he had looked at the evidence and they were guilty.

The leader of a country publicly declaring such a thing may be seen as a complete and utter farce in most countries, could even be submitted as reason to declare a mistrial, but hey, there ya go.

Yes I agree with you but he has got a get out clause and can hang the cops out to dry based on his decision was based on what they told him and that's since been found to be lies...Will he do it...Mmmm don't think so but that's what I was referring to when I said he could come out of this well...However I'm not sure he's clever enough to go down that route...There's loads of bent BIB to throw under the bus if he wanted..

[Nigeone]

Amazing, the virtual Judge Dredds are once again quicker in their judgements than the judges of the court. What took the latter so long because the case was already solved months ago in this forum.

Interesting comments....I would say as nobody in these forums are bought and are reasonably intelligent and in some cases very intelligent it wasn't hard to work out what was going on in this case once the evidence WASNT produced....And I for one have never suggested that I had solved the case just that the B2 haven't done it...I have a opinion who did do it mind !!