Democrat MP files charges against Parliament president
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Democrat MP Watchara Petchthong yesterday filed criminal charges against Parliament President Somsak Kiartsuranont after he was hurt when Somsak ordered police to throw him out of the chamber.
Watchara said that during the charter amendment debate on Tuesday, Somsak had demanded him to retract his contention that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was the real reason behind the charter amendment bill.
After he refused, he found himself being carried by Parliament police out of the chamber.
On Tuesday, Somsak threatened to form an investigating panel if police did not follow his orders.
He claimed that he sustained a four-inch wound on the back of his thigh and a swollen left thumb and shoulder. The party-list MP received medical treatment at Vichaivej Hospital and obtained a doctor’s certificate indicating that the wounds resulted from a beating.
Watchara filed three complaints against Somsak for abusing his power, assaulting other people and encouraging others to commit an offence under Sections 157, 391 and 84 of the Criminal Code.
“I’m not a criminal. I’m an opposition MP who can voice his individual opinion. The Parliament president should heed members’ thoughts and not abuse his power. The president’s command and his threat towards the police should not have happened and I hope this will be the last time.” Watchara said.
“I will also file the charge of violating Section 157 to the Criminal Court,” he said.
Dusit police received the suit and interrogated the MP in detail. More evidence will be gathered before the case is handed to a police commander.
