Five acquitted in southern murder trial
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The Criminal Court on Monday acquitted five Thai Muslims of involvement in murders in the south due to lack of evidence.
The five Mustorpa Jehya, Isaya Munwang, Usman Pachee, Yulai Sohpanae and Maasi Boonpon were believed to be members of Bersatu separatist movement.
The public prosecutor brought a case against them for alleged involvement in a series of insurgency attacks in the southern province of Pattani between November and December 2004, for separatist objectives and for creating fear among the public.
They were also accused of being behind the murder of Pol Sgt Mohammad Benyakart in Pattani’s Muang district on December 27, 2004.
They pledged not guilty to all the charges.
The court dismissed the trial after the prosecution’s weak evidence failed to convince the court that they involved in the attacks. The initial confessions of the defendants were obtained in a series of consecutive interrogations in conditions and at periods normal people could not tolerate.
Moreover, police failed to locate a weapon used in the murder of the sergeant or produce a witness who actually saw the shooting.
However, the court ordered the detention of the five pending appeal.
