Criminal Court rejects Arisman's second request for bail
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The Criminal Court Monday rejected the second request of red-shirt leader Arisman Pongruangrong for his release on bail on the grounds that he could flee again.
The court reasoned that there was no guarantee that Arisman wouldn’t jump bail.
Arisman turned himself in to face terrorism charges. He is also charged with defaming former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and a senior police officer.
Arisman has been held in remand since December 7 pending trial on charges related to terrorism in connection with the last year’s political disturbances. He fled to Cambodia following the May 19, 2010 ending of the red shirt rallies at Ratchaprasong Intersection.
His escape and the serious nature of the charges were two critical factors for the previous rejection of his bail.
In the second request, Arisman testified to the court that he had to flee abroad and waited until early this month before surrendering because he was warned that he could be assassinated.
Arisman also promised the court that he would not flee again and would not lead red-shirt rallies again.
But the court ruled on Monday that with only Arisman and his wife, Rapipan Ruangrong, testifying that Arisman would not jump bail, the court was not convinced by the promise.
