Criminal court rejects police request to revoke bail for anti-coup leaders

In a very brief court order, a presiding judge warned the six leaders, including former Thai Rak Thai executives Veera Musigapong and Jakrapob Penkair, to strictly observe the conditions that enabled them to be bailed in the first place.

"There is no clear evidence that the accused have violated the agreement... but the court would like to remind the accused to strictly observe the bail conditions."

Police charged that at least four bailed DAAD leaders violated the court's agreement by appearing at a protest site to stir up political unrest after they were released on bail on August 14 and 16.

DAAD's lawyers claimed the leaders went to the protest site to talk about the flaws in the juntasponsored draft constitution and not to make trouble.

"It's a good development," said Jesada Chandee, leader of the legal team, after hearing the court's order yesterday morning.

"The court's rejection pointed to a malicious intent by the police," he claimed.

In a related development, Jesada said that all nine DAAD leaders were petitioning the Appeal Court to have charges of creating public disturbance and inciting public violence dropped.

He added that if the police now realised their charges against DAAD leaders were politically motivated, perhaps they should soften their stance, especially now that the constitution referendum is over and the group has dismantled its protest stage on Sanam Luang.

Meanwhile, Sombat Boonngamanong, a senior DAAD figure, said that although the stage had been taken down, a campaign would soon be launched against the proposed Internal Security Act by himself, former senator Prateep Ungsontham Hata and others.

The faction, which is not clearly linked to Thai Rak Thai or PTV groups, said they would also launch a campaign for members of the public to wear red shirts every Sunday to oppose what they believe is a plan by the Council for National Security to hold on to power after the promised election.

Emboldened by the 10 million votes rejecting the juntasponsored draft charter, the faction will also press all political parties to state their position on future constitution amendments.

"We will wear red continually until the dictators are gone. We will meet at MBK food court wearing red for lunch and hold political discussions every Sunday. Ours is a NGO faction and we are not that used to speaking on stage at rallies," Sombat said, adding that symposiums and seminars on the current state of politics will be organised.

by Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation