Thirteen core anti-government protest leaders led by Suthep Thaugsuban were released on bail yesterday after reporting themselves to Department of Special Investigation officials to face insurrection charges related to their role in the anti-government demonstrations.
People’s Democratic Reform Committee secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban is escorted by soldiers to the Office of the Attorney General to answer eight charges, including one of insurrection, levelled against him by the Department of Special Investigation. Krit Phromsakla Na Sakolnakorn
Mr Suthep yesterday also faced murder-related charges involving the dispersal of red-shirt protesters in 2010 but was also granted bail.
As troops escorted them to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to face insurrection charges, all appeared to be in high spirits. It was the first time they have been seen in public since their detention last week after the military seized power.
Mr Suthep and those who attended crisis talks last Thursday were detained after the coup. The others were held in custody after being summoned by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
Their public appearance came after the NCPO announced on Sunday it would begin handing over to law enforcement authorities the individuals who face criminal charges.
They were questioned by DSI investigators before their lawyers applied for 100,000 baht bail releases. The 13 protest leaders must report to the prosecutors on June 17 for additional questioning.
The 12 others were Thaworn Senneam, Akanat Promphan, Sathit Wongnongtoey, Putthipong Punnakant, Natthapol Teepsuwan, Thaya Teepsuwan, Anchalee Paireerak, Chitpas Krisdakorn, Chumpol Julasai, Nitithorn Lamlua, Suriyasai Katasila, and Gen Preecha Iamsuphan.
Mr Akanat, the People’s Democratic Reform Committee spokesman, said yesterday all denied the insurrection charges. He did not mention seven other charges related to the protests.
Mr Akanat also said he and the others were treated well during detention. They were not allowed to contact anyone but could follow the political developments through newspapers and broadcast media.
OAG spokesman Nanthasak Poolsuk, said the 13 leaders have not been indicted. They were brought in to acknowledge the charges pressed by the DSI. He said the OAG simply provided the venue to enable the surrender process.
However, Mr Suthep was later brought before the Criminal Court and indicted on charges of murder and attempted murder when he served as deputy prime minister in 2010 for allegedly ordering the military crackdown on red-shirt protesters, which claimed at least 92 lives.
He repeatedly failed to answer the charges in court due to the street protests. Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was earlier indicted on the same charges.
Mr Suthep denied the charges and was released on bail. His lawyer submitted a 600,000 baht bank deposit as surety. Prosecutors did not oppose his bail request.
Mr Suthep must report to the court for an evidence hearing on July 28 and is prohibited from leaving the country.
A group of PDRC supporters turned up to give Mr Suthep and the core leaders moral support. Mr Suthep was seen whisked away in a car after the proceedings.
Meanwhile, several other PDRC leaders who were not detained by the NCPO yesterday turned up at the OAG to report themselves to hear the charges.
However, the DSI, which was not prepared for this group, told them it would soon make arrangements for them.
Mr Nitithorn said he believed the cases against the PDRC leaders will be heard in the court of justice, not the military court. He said the charges against the PDRC leaders are not covered by the NCPO’s announcement on Sunday which says violators of Sections 107-112 and 113-118 of Criminal Code and offenders of the NCPO’s orders will face prosecution in the military court.