DSI urges police to provide forensic proof

"The DSI has no mandate to conduct forensic checks, therefore it is obliged to send the cases back to the police for additional evidence to explain the cause of death," he said.

The 13 victims of last year's clashes include a Japanese cameraman who was shot dead on April 10 at Rajdamnoen Avenue, six who were found dead at Wat Pathum Wanaram after the Ratchaprasong rally was brought to an end on May 19, and the killing of an Italian journalist. The DSI initially took the investigation of the cases off the hands of the police bureau.

Then the probe into the deaths hit a snag due to suspicion that security officials might be to blame for the killings, so the DSI asked the Metropolitan Police for additional evidence.

The police, however, rejected the request on grounds that they had no jurisdiction to meddle in DSI's work.

Yesterday, the DSI decided once again to ask for additional evidence on grounds that the police have the mandate to furnish forensic reports.

Separately, the Truth for Reconciliation Commission yesterday released a second report outlining its work progress and offering seven recommendations in connection with last year's violence.

"I sincerely hope that the government will accept and implement the recommendations in order to bring about reconciliation," commission chairman Kanit na Nakorn said.

The recommendations are:

_ The government should reduce conflicts by dispensing justice equally, even if state officials are found involved;

_ The government should ensure that all sides exercise self-restraint to foster a climate of reconciliation;

_ The legal proceedings in connection with lese majeste charges, emergency-rule violations and cyberspace offences should spell out clear indictments before suspects are apprehended and should encourage a fair bail review, and the suspects should be detained in a separate facility from the regular remand prison;

_ The victims should be given compensation that is beyond existing rules and regulations, and the payments should cover incidents that occurred in 2009 and 2010 as well as before the coup of September 19, 2006;

_ Those who underwent unfair legal treatment in relation to street protests should be compensated;

_ Cases related to lese majeste and the Computer Act have been rising at an alarming rate, though all sides should stop involving the monarchy for political gains. The public prosecutors should review each case based on the merit of upholding the monarchy instead of letting personal sentiment cloud judgement;

_ The government should sponsor a public forum for all sides to exchange views to raise awareness that political conflicts are normal for a society in transition.