Pheu Thai raps, Democrats like plan for trials in absentia

Pheu Thai raps, Democrats like plan for trials in absentia

Top party figures deny protest Thaksin-linked

Chusak Sirinil: 'Law is against core principle of human rights'
Chusak Sirinil: 'Law is against core principle of human rights'

Leading Pheu Thai Party members on Tuesday joined forces to protest against the draft of an organic law on criminal procedures for holders of political positions, which could revive four suspended cases against fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

However, Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the law is acceptable and many countries in the European Union also allow the trial in absentia of defendants.

"It is normal that the Pheu Thai Party would disagree with the law. But I insist that I do not see anything that goes against the principles of justice," Mr Abhisit said.

Pheu Thai Party's senior members released a statement protesting the draft of the law.

Flanked by senior party members, Chusak Sirinil said, "The law is against the core principle of international human rights, and the constitution, that everyone is equal and entitled to receive legal protection."

Other Pheu Thai members, including Phumtham Wechayachai, Pokin Polakun, Pol Lt Gen Viroj Paoin, the party's caretaker leader, and Noppadon Pattama, also a legal adviser to Mr Thaksin, were also at the press conference.

The National Legislative Assembly passed the draft organic law on criminal procedures for holders of political positions on July 13.

First, the law says the statute of limitations will not expire while a fugitive suspect is on the run.

Mr Chusak, however, said, "It is against the intent of the law that any given case should be forced to a trial within a specific period because in the next 30 or 50 years, it is not possible to recover credible evidence such as documents or witnesses to testify."

Secondly, the draft said the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions can order a trial to proceed in the absence of a defendant.

Mr Chusak said, "It makes the court's truth-verification process one-sided without hearing from the defendant. It is against the principle of equality."

Pheu Thai's executives said their move is not related to backing for Mr Thaksin.

However, if the law is enacted, it could trigger the resumption of four suspended cases against Mr Thaksin. They are the alleged corruption in the four-billion-baht loan of EXIM Bank to Myanmar, the two and three-digit lottery scheme, the amendment of satellite and mobile phone concession contracts, Krung Thai Bank's loan scandal involving the Krisda Mahanakorn group. A 772-million-baht land case in Ratchadaphisek resulted in a conviction and a two-year jail sentence for Mr Thaksin.

Mr Pokin said the law should be reviewed, adding the court could prevent suspects from fleeing the country by refusing bail or banning them from leaving. Or the government can ask for extradition from the countries Thailand has agreements with, he said.

"We have to ask ourselves why they did not send the suspects back to Thailand," Mr Pokin said.

Thirdly, the Pheu Thai Party disagreed with the law being retroactive as cases which have gone to court before its enactment will also be affected.

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