UDD bosses called in over gatherings

UDD bosses called in over gatherings

Most of the people in this group make up the 19 members of the red shirts' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship team summoned by the Crime Suppression Division over political meetings. (Photo by Thanarak Khunton)
Most of the people in this group make up the 19 members of the red shirts' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship team summoned by the Crime Suppression Division over political meetings. (Photo by Thanarak Khunton)

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has summoned 19 core members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to answer charges of violating the regime's ban on political gatherings.

The move follows a complaint by the National Council for Peace and Order's legal team that accused the red-shirt leaders of violating order No.7/2014 banning any political gathering of more than five people.

According to the regime's complaint, the 19 red-shirt leaders defied the ban when they gathered at a Bangkok shopping mall on June 5 to announce the launch of the referendum monitoring centres to ensure the charter poll on Aug 7 was fair.

All are required to report to the CSD next Thursday. A second summons will be issued if they fail to meet the deadline. If they persistently refuse to obey the summons, they will face arrest warrants.

Those named in the CSD summons include UDD chairman Jatuporn Prompan, Nattawut Saikuar, Tida Tawornseth, Prasit Chaisrisa, Weng Tojirakarn, Nisit Sinthuphrai, Saranwut Sarankate and Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

The others are Korkaew Pikulthong, Veerakan Musikapong, Songkhram Kijpairote, Somwang Asarasi, Yotwarit Chuklom, Thanawut Wichaidit, Kirkmontri Rujsotthirapat, Aree Krainara, Somchai Jaimung, Sakrapee Phromchart and Pornsak Srilamut.

On Sunday, authorities blocked the opening of the centres in several provinces, prompting the UDD to petition the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Mr Nattawut said he was ready to go through the judicial process.

He insisted the UDD never called for international organisations to intervene in the country's affairs, as claimed by critics.

Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court will rule next Wednesday on the constitutionality of Section 61 of the Referendum Act, following a petition by the ombudsman.

The court will decide if it contains vague wording which can restrict people's rights to express opinions about the referendum.

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