Suthep accuses DSI of serving govt interests

Suthep accuses DSI of serving govt interests

Former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday accused the Department of Special Investigation of serving the interests of the government.

His comments came after DSI deputy chief Prawes Moonpramuk said he planned to summon Mr Suthep for questioning about the ''map'' of a network of people who allegedly want to overthrow the monarchy.

The DSI deputy chief was interested in a flow chart drawn up by the now-defunct Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) which listed a large number of people it suspected of being part of the anti-monarchy movement.

The one-page document was given to the media by the CRES on April 26 last year along with the names of about 45 people, political parties, and media outlets alleged to be involved in an anti-monarchy movement.

Mr Suthep, who chaired the CRES, said the DSI's latest plan showed the agency had no backbone.

He said it was the DSI itself that had collected evidence about alleged plots to overthrow the monarchy and reported this to the CRES.

''Some DSI officials have changed their spots. They had better be honest and straightforward instead of working to serve those in power,'' he said.

Pol Col Prawes, a newly appointed chief investigator in lese majeste cases, promised a review of the lese majeste charges against 19 red shirt leaders. His remarks were widely seen as an indication that some cases might be dropped.

Mr Suthep added that he had not yet been contacted by the DSI to give statements about the issue but said he had nothing to fear.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung yesterday welcomed the DSI's plan to question Mr Suthep over the anti-monarchy chart.

He said he had been suspicious of the chart since the beginning because it contained too many details.

The flow chart with connecting lines links politicians, financiers, newspapers and community radio stations with ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra at the centre of the network.

Mr Chalerm denied he was behind the DSI's move to question Mr Suthep, saying he had no reason at all to set anybody up.

''It would be appreciated if the DSI has the courage [to investigate]. Our government doesn't interfere, but supports [the agency] in bringing out the truth,'' he said.

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