CAPO defends use of tear gas at registration venue
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The Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) on Thursday defended the police's use of tear gas on anti-government protesters who tried to force the4ir way into a stadium to prevent registration of candidates for the February 2 election.
Surapong, who is also foreign minister, said that police started firing tear gas and rubber bullets at the protesters at about 7.20am, as the registration was due to start at 9am.
Surapong said police had used full restraint in dealing with the protesters as they understood the protesters’ rights in demonstrating their opposition.
However, the government and police could no longer tolerate their illegal actions as the country has laws that should be respected by all.
He insisted that the handling of the situation met international standards.
However Nation reporters at the scene reported that police gave only one warning to the protesters before firing the tear gas.
