PAD, Kasit launch their defence

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PAD, Kasit launch their defence

Published: 14/07/2009 at 03:38 PM
Online news: Politics

The People's Alliance for Democracy on Tuesday sought the replacement of police investigators handling the Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports blockade case.

The PAD's request was made in a petition for justice submitted by lawyer Nitithorn Lamlua to police chief Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan.

Thirty-six leaders of the PAD have been summoned to report to police on Thursday to hear criminal charges, including acts of terrorism, in relation with the blockade of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports late last year.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also lodged a petition seeking justice, asking police to review and withdraw all charges filed against him, set up a committee to probe investigators handling the case, and temporarily halt the investigation.

The petition was handed to police chief Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan by Nitithorn Lamlua, Mr Kasit's lawyer.

Mr Kasit is one of 36 people summoned by police to hear criminal charges, including acts of terrorism and violation of the emergency law, in connection with the PAD's blockade of two airports from Nov 25 to Dec 2 last year in a drive to out the Somchai Wongsawat government.

Mr Nitithorn said Mr Kasit had already reported to police to hear charges against him. Mr Kasit denied the charges and asked for 30 days to submit additional testimony, saying that the charges were unfounded and exaggerated.

The lawyer said Mr Kasit's speech made on the PAD stage on Nov 30 was to express his opinion and criticise the government - action allowed by the constitution. He was not part of the occupation.

The terrorism charges against Mr Kasit were unreasonable because he caused no damage to Suvarnabhumi airport. Moreover, the PAD's protest at the airport was not in violation of the emergency law.

Mr Nitithorn said other PAD suspects in the case would report to police on Thursday as required to acknowledge the charges against them.

Mr Kasit would continue to perform his duties as foreign minister until such time as the prosecution decides to indict him on terrorism charges, the foreign minister's lawyer said.

Assistant police chief Lt-Gen Wuthi Puawes, head of the investigation team, said police had sufficient evidence and witnesses to substantiate the charges.

At the same time, the prosecution has postponed its decision whether to indict nine leaders of the anti-Thaksin group for the seizure of Government House last year for 30 days.

The decision was originally set to be made on Tuesday.

In this case, nine PAD leaders have been charged by police with causing public disturbance and instigating unrest in connection with the seizure of Government House. They are Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, Sondhi Limthongkul, Somsak Kosaisuk, Pibhop Dhongchai, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Suriyasai Katasila, Chaiwat Sinsuwong, Amorn Amornrattananont and Therdphum Jaidee.

A source at the Criminal Litigation Department of the Office of the Attorney General said the postponement was allowed after the suspects asked police to interrogate 38 more witnesses and the police have not yet finished their work.

The prosecution has set Sept 10 to make the decision.

Relate Search: PAD, sondhi, airports, police, court

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RicefieldRadio

Discussion 9 : 15/07/2009 at 01:20 AM9
"He was not part of the occupation." My question is,"what was he doing there then? On a stroll. No he was part of the occupation be it an hour, a day or a week.

It's PAD's own fault for two reasons. First they got into bed with the Democrats knowing that the Democrats had never shown any ethics in the past. Second they formed a party which would go after the Democrats voter base. Bottom line is the democrats will now destroy them before an election because without that (and also the destruction of the reds) the democrats know they don't stand a chance at winning it.
Jonh

Discussion 8 : 14/07/2009 at 10:50 PM8
Wow.. this is one of the funniest story about the law in Thailand.. i was very very upset during my stay at the airport that time.. "no damage to the airport"?? Come on.. you must be kidding, seriously..
cap

Discussion 7 : 14/07/2009 at 10:03 PM7
Hmm, smells like CORRUPTION to me. How convenient. Haha, I wanna hear the PAD bottom feeders and their supper intelligent supporters shouting out corruption on this one. If past experience is the trends, out of 38 witnesses there will be several who say they never say them at the airport, and then all charges will be drop.
aussiebob

Discussion 6 : 14/07/2009 at 07:45 PM6
A Minister of the Government is asking for the police to review and halt their investigation after they have laid charges against him. This is evidence enough for the inept Pm to stand him down until after he is tried so that Thailand will know that the police are allowed to investigate serious charges free of government intrference
Peter

Discussion 5 : 14/07/2009 at 07:43 PM5
The police investigation team deserve maximum public support for the work they are doing on behalf of the vast majority of well-meaning Thais who are fed up with the PAD's slippery gutter tactics of pointing the finger of blame at anyone and everyone but themselves for their own actions.

The police should stand firm against this PAD intimidation and be allowed to freely and fairly present their evidence in court. There are no reasonable grounds for agreeing to drop or reduce the charges they have laid. If the PAD leaders believe they are not guilty, they should have the guts to say "Okay we'll prove our innocence in court". Their cage has been rattled and their frenzied reaction to the challenge of justifying their behaviour in court suggests they are at the same time both in self-denial about their guilt but at another level aware of it.
Pimienta

Discussion 4 : 14/07/2009 at 06:47 PM4
If the police drop the change, Thailand is seriously in trouble. It shows that there is no Rule of Law and effective judicial system in the country at all. Closing the airport, and to be considered no wrong...you must be kidding me.
anna

Discussion 3 : 14/07/2009 at 06:07 PM3
Amazing Thailand, meaning Mr. Kasit is above the law and order the investigate to hault his charges and stop all investigators regarding to PAD. Meaning PAD is above all laws in Thailand. Amazing!
tay

Discussion 2 : 14/07/2009 at 05:51 PM2
Kasit, PAD, etc..... losers!

Get a life!
boon

Discussion 1 : 14/07/2009 at 05:10 PM1
Wow, the integrity of the Police and justice system is further down the drain by the PAD.

Wasn't many were charged with LM and imprisoned for expressing their personal political opinion?

Now they want to change investigating officers. Ya, they know too well that this is the tactic they used to investigate Thaksin and TRT.

PAD, Kasit launch their defence