One more student activist released, one more surrenders

One more student activist released, one more surrenders

Apisit Supnaphaphun is taken to the Bangkok Military Court on Friday. The court  refused a police request to detain him further, and he was released.(Photo by Jiraporn Kuhakan)
Apisit Supnaphaphun is taken to the Bangkok Military Court on Friday. The court refused a police request to detain him further, and he was released.(Photo by Jiraporn Kuhakan)

Another student activist facing charges of defying a junta order was released on Friday after the Bangkok Military Court rejected a police request to detain him.

Apisit Supnaphaphun was freed after the court found no reason for investigators to continue to keep him after he had been interrogated.

The member of the self-titled New Democracy Movement joins four other students, including group leader Sirawith "Ja New" Seritiwat, who were released by the court on Thursday.

As one more member was released, another student, Korakoch Saengyenphan, turned himself in to authorities outside the court.

They are charged with violating the order of the National Council for Peace and Order prohibiting more than five people of assembling for political motives.

Korakoch Saengyenphan turns himself in to authorities outside the court. (Photo by Jiraporn Kuhakan)

Charges were filed against 11 students arrested at Ban Pong railway station in Ratchaburi while going by train to Rajabhakti Park on Dec 7.

Mr Apisit, who was named in an arrest warrant, was captured by Chana Songkhram police on Thursday as he appeared in front of the court to show support for the four anti-coup activists after their release.

All said they would to continue their political activities after being freed ahead of future court hearings.

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Friday repeated the government's position that authorities will enforce the law if the students continue to defy the order. Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Sriwara Rangsipramanakul said they would be arrested again if they did not stop political activities. However, police had been ordered by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to avoid using harsh measures against them.

The United Nations Human Rights Office for Southeast Asia urged the government to drop all charges against the 11 students.

“The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and opinion are fundamental rights and should never be regarded as a serious criminal offence,” said Laurent Meillan, the acting regional representative. “We urge the authorities to drop all charges against the students.”

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