Rally leaders face treason accusations
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A Pheu Thai Party MP yesterday lodged a police complaint accusing Pitak Siam group leaders of treason in connection with Saturday's anti-government rally.
Pheu Thai Party MP Singthong Buachum accused Pitak Siam group leader General Boonlert Kaewprasit and five others – Squadron Leader Prasong Soonsiri, General Pathompong Kesornsuk, Kaewsan Atibhodi, Samdin Lertbut and Tul Sitthisomwong – of treason in accordance with the Internal Security Act 2008.
He also submitted evidence to officers at Dusit Police Station including seven samples of documents, CDs and pictures he obtained from websites and cameras of people present at the scene, and from the media.
Meanwhile, Karom Polpornklang, a lawyer for the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, also lodged a complaint with police at the same station accusing Boonlert, Pathompong, Prasong, Air Marshal Watchara Ruethakani, General Nattanai Permsab, Thaikorn Polsuwan and Sub-Lt Saemdin Lertbut of violating Article 113, Article 80 and Article 116 of the Criminal Code. The lawyer alleged they attempted to bring down the government by calling on the military to oust it. He also submitted evidence including documents and CDs.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said police would handle the cases without discrimination. All suspects who had been arrested have been released without bail.
Chalerm said the Internal Security Act (ISA) is expected to be lifted today.
Meanwhile, police pressed an additional charge against Somsamai Nipaji, 58, the driver of a truck that allegedly ran through a barricade and hit police officers.
Somsamai was released on Bt50,000 bail. He was charged with violating the ISA and resisting arrest.
Scientific Crime Detection officials collected evidence allegedly found in Somsamai’s truck. It included CDs, a water bottle and metal pieces that looked like parts of tear-gas canisters.
Police yesterday lodged three separate suits against 127 suspects accused of violating the ISA at the Dusit District Court. The three suits comprised three different groups of 97, 16 and 14 people who were not present at the court and have been released on bail. Police will file suits after five days against another 10 suspects who are minors.
