7 New Democracy members in court for the extension of their detention

[webfact]

7 New Democracy members in court for the extension of their detention



BANGKOK: -- Seven student activists arrested on charges of defying the military regime’s order against public political gathering of more than five people were presented before the military court this morning (Tuesday) to have their detention extended for 12 more days.

The seven who are members of the so-called New Democracy Movement were arrested by military personnel and police as they were distributing leaflets protesting against the draft constitution in Bangphli market in Samut Prakan on June 23.

As they were disembarking from a prison truck, Mr Rangsiman Rome, one of the seven activists, raised a clenched fist and he with the other six colleagues chanted in unison “Vote No” before they marched into the courtroom.

The group’s lawyer, Mr Krisdang Nutcharas, said he would ask the military court to consider a ruling of the Constitutional Court which states that campaigning related to the referendum is not illegal.

He added that he would ask the court to grant the seven detainees a bail because they all have permanent residence and would not escape.

However, it was reported that the seven activists didn’t want to be granted bail claiming that they did nothing wrong.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/7-new-democracy-members-court-extension-detention/

-- Thai PBS 2016-07-05

[chainarong]

Nothing like a crack down on unruly student behaviour , now attracting the International community attention and in doing so applying more pressure on the Junta, no doubt about it Thailand has tapped into the intelligence required to manage a few students , who now have their cause all over the world publicized for free , seems like slow learners are running the country, never mind their is always the referendum to fall back on........................................ .

[MZurf]

Disgusting, but sure to make the junta supporters proud!

[JAG]

Guilty as hell - look, all of them are wearing identical RED trousers.

Case rests...

[webfact]

Military court orders seven New Democracy members freed



BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Military Court on Tuesday rejected a request of the police enquiry officers to have seven members of the New Democracy Movement detained for another 12 days and ordered that they be freed.

The seven suspects namely Rangsiman Rome, Korakot Saengyenphan, Anan Lokate, Thirayuth Nakhananrum, Yutthana Dasri, Somsakul Thongsuksai and Nantyhapong Panmas were escorted to the court by prison officials from Bangkok Special Prison.

They were joined by six of their colleagues who were earlier feed on bail and were scheduled to report themselves to the court. They are Rakchart Wong-athichart, Panthip Saeng-arthit, Peemak Rathwongsa, Toenjai Wangkham, Kornchanok Thankoon and Worawut Bootmat.

The police enquiry officers told the court that they needed more time to wrap the case against all the suspects.

The defence lawyer claimed that the officers had already completed interrogating the seven suspects and that the suspects had permanent residences and had no reason to escape.

The court finally turned down the officers’ request for extended detention saying that there is no reason to further lock up the suspects.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/military-court-orders-seven-new-democracy-members-freed/


-- Thai PBS 2016-07-06

[webfact]

Thai court frees student constitution protesters
VICKY GE HUANG, Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — A court in Thailand on Tuesday ordered the release of seven students who were arrested last month for distributing leaflets urging people to vote against a proposed new constitution in a referendum next month.

The Bangkok Military Court ordered their release because police have completed their investigation of the June 23 protest, said an observer for the legal aid group iLaw, Yingcheep Atchanont. They still face several charges pending prosecutors' acceptance of the case.

The Aug. 7 referendum is on a constitution drafted under the military government that took power in a May 2014 coup. Critics say the draft is undemocratic, but are constrained from campaigning against it by very restrictive laws that could send them to prison for 10 years.

Despite the threat, opposition to the draft charter has risen in recent weeks, with supporters of the civilian government that was ousted by the army taking a prominent role. The government has issued many threats against such critics but not acted consistently against them.

The students are to be released Wednesday. Suspects may be held a maximum of 48 days pending prosecution, but police must seek an extension from the court every 12 days.

Thirteen people were arrested for the protest by the New Democracy Movement in a Bangkok suburb, but six were freed earlier on bail. The seven others refused to post bail, insisting they did not recognize the legitimacy of the legal proceedings.

The protesters were arrested on charges of violating bans on political gatherings of more than five people and campaigning against the draft constitution. They also were charged with refusing to be fingerprinted and not showing their national identity cards when arrested.

They remained defiant outside the court Tuesday in brown prison uniforms and shackles. "Voting no is a right, not an illegal act," they shouted on their way inside after being brought by a van.

"They have voiced their opinion on the weakness of the constitution, which is the same thing that many politicians have done, same as what the military has done, same as what the Election Commission has done," said Krisadang Nutcharas, the lawyer representing the seven students.

Outside the court, a large group of supporters handed out pamphlets and stickers urging the authorities to drop charges against the students. Observers from foreign embassies and a number of human rights organizations attended the hearing.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-07-06

[nausea]

I would take careful note of these names, as today's rebels are often tomorrow's rulers.

[Alive]

They've definitely got it in them to speak for what they believe. Thailand has a hell of a lot of students and others who are too afraid to speak what they believe. They will be leaders of the future but Thailand also abuses people with it corrupt laws so who knows where they will end up. Many have to flee for speaking the truth, just look at the famous rectors at Thammasat. The darkest corruption in Thailand uses(or ignores) the laws, judiciary and security forces to crush figures the people cheer.

[The stuttering parrot]

Much better photo and story from another source showing the students in their prison gear with clenched fists raised high in defiance and knowing their arrest as brought condemnation from scholars academics ,human rights groups from both Thailand and internationally.

Shame on the junta and their supporters .

Put the newspaper article in your pride of Thailand promo boys!

[facthailand]

Look at the student "communists' who fled into the jungles in Isaan & Patani after 1976. Many of them are govt functionaries today. They're strangely silent, too. The issues, I might add, are no different than in 1976.

Kids who got accepted at university have always been fairly untouchable here. But this govt is out for blood and has a lot more tricks in store.

Waddya bet on an overwhelming YES vote...with no observers!