Court of Appeals- upholds acquittal of Yala resident accused of treason
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THE COURT of Appeals gave the benefit of the doubt to a 32-year-old Yala man accused of joining the "Mujahideen" separatist movement in the deep South, and acquitted him yesterday.
Mahamasagri Maha Ma-useng, also known as Ahama Ma-useng, was facing charges that included gathering arms in conspiracy to treason and racketeering, after being arrested on September 21, 2012, but he denied all the charges. He was also charged with possessing several guns and a large amount of ammunition.
The primary court acquitted him, giving him the benefit of the doubt, as the prosecution had no witnesses to confirm the wrongdoing of the accused. The man was kept in detention during the public prosecutor’s appeal to a higher court.
The Appeals Court considered the evidence, including the testimony by a police witness that his name was found in a “Mujahideen” list as a low-ranking member along with information of three planned attacks in the region – which later took place.
The court said the prosecution witnesses could provide circumstantial evidence but it did not include key details of the alleged wrongdoing and link to the separatist movement. Also, there was no eye witness to testify against him.
Hence the court upheld the lower court’s ruling to acquit the man.
Operation results in one death
Meanwhile, the spokesman for Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4 Front Command, Pramote Prom-in, told a press conference yesterday in Pattani province that the latest operation |to arrest suspects in tambon Pado in Ma Yor district had resulted in the death of suspect Nieideureh Jehhae, 28.
The operation was conducted by the Army, police and administration officials on Wednesday night.
Two suspects – identified as Ashi Da-ong, 39, and homeowner Musor Maeriwa – surrendered. In the gunfight, three security officers – Pol Captain Wichet Kaewkhunthod, 43, First Lieutenant Noippon Marawichai, 45, and paramilitary ranger volunteer Amnuay Chuwong, 30 – were wounded.
Pramote said the initial probe found that the slain suspect was an operative militant involved in many previous attacks, including the July 28, 2012, assault that killed four soldiers, and six school arson attacks on October 12, 2014, in Thung Yang Dang and Ma Yor districts of Pattani.
Ashi, who surrendered, was also found to be an operative militant wanted in two other criminal cases, including a bank robbery in May 2013, Pramote said.
Musor, who allegedly provided refuge to these men, will also be investigated, he said.
