UDD runs out of patience over red-shirt deaths in 2010

UDD runs out of patience over red-shirt deaths in 2010

National United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) chairman Jatuporn Prompan (right) and core leaders including Nattawut Saikuar (second from right) are seen here outside the Bangkok Military Court on Friday. (Photo by Apichart Jinakul)
National United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) chairman Jatuporn Prompan (right) and core leaders including Nattawut Saikuar (second from right) are seen here outside the Bangkok Military Court on Friday. (Photo by Apichart Jinakul)

The red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has renewed its call for prosecutors to speed up probes into the deaths of red-shirt protesters during their 2010 clashes with the military.

Ongart Khamthong, a lawyer for the red shirts, submitted a petition to the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) on Thursday seeking justice for families and friends of the demonstrators who lost their lives during the political violence between April and May in 2010.

The open letter also voiced objections to any attempts to end an inquest into the deaths of the victims, insisting all 98 cases should proceed to establish the facts surrounding the deaths first.

Mr Ongart said the move was triggered by media reports the probes into the deaths would be "suspended" while the court inquest into more than 70 deaths made no progress.

According to Mr Ongart, only 20 cases were heard and ruled on by the court, which included the six deaths at Wat Pathum Wanaram in central Bangkok.

Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief, Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang, said the DSI was still working on some of the cases forwarded to it by the the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

He said the rest, including those involving the supposed "men in black", an armed group that allegedly fought the military during the protests, were forwarded to the prosecution.

Meanwhile, 88 red-shirt leaders appeared before the Bangkok Military Court on Friday in a case where they were accused of violating the regime's order banning political gatherings of more than five people.

A total of 19 people were indicted for allegedly defying the ban following their gathering during a press conference concerning the launch of anti-fraud centres in June 2016.

They included UDD chairman Jatuporn Prompan, Nattawut Saikuar, Tida Tawornseth, Prasit Chaisrisa, Nisit Sinthuphrai, Saranwut Sarankate and Yongyuth Tiyapairat.

All except red-shirt member Weng Tojirakarn turned up at the court and denied any wrongdoing. Dr Weng said he was recovering from an illness and could not attend.

Lawyer Winyat Chartmontri, who represents the red shirts, said the next hearing will be on Jan 16.

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