DSI seeks approval to detain Suthep, other leaders
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The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will seek the Criminal Court's approval to arrest and detain protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban and 37 followers should they fail to report as summoned, a senior official said Tuesday.
DSI chief Tarit Pengdit told a press conference that an arrest warrant for Suthep had already been issued by the court while 37 core protesters have been summoned to acknowledge charges against them this Thursday and Friday as well as on January 2 and 3, after the New Year holiday.
They have been charged with intimidation to abolish the nation's administrative power, instigating members of the public to violate the law, gathering to create chaos in the country, and libelling representatives of foreign countries.
Tarit said the DSI will seek court orders to imprison the leaders without granting bail since they have continued to commit offences.
“If released on bail, they will not stop creating unrest in the country,” said the DSI chief. He warned that the agency will immediately ask the court to issue arrest warrants should they fail to report to the authorities as summoned.
Tarit said the core protesters will be issued with an added charge of obstructing the judicial process if they lead protesters to blockade the DSI office.
