New attempt to free seven jailed student activists

Human-rights lawyer Anont Nampa said the decision on the request would be known when the activists’ first 12-day prison remand round finishes next Tuesday.

The seven students from the New Democracy Movement (NDM) had joined six other activists, including three labour-union members, to distribute anti-charter leaflets in Samut Prakan on Thursday evening.

The 13 were arrested and charged with violating the junta’s Order 3/2558, which bans political gathering of more than four people. Their alleged anti-charter activities in Bangkok and nearby areas were said to mark the 84th anniversary of the Siam Revolution.

Six of the 13 were released on Bt50,000 bail, while the seven NDM activists – students and graduates from Thammasat, Ramkamhaeng and Kasetsart universities – did not request bail as they believed that they did not break the law.

In addition to violating the National Council for Peace and Order’s edict, eight of the 13 were charged with breaching National Security Announcement 25/2549, after they allegedly disobeyed police by refusing to be fingerprinted. That offence is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a Bt1,000 fine. 

NDM’s Facebook page said the detained activists were separated and tasked with doing “somewhat heavy” chores at Bangkok Remand Prison. 

Human-rights advocates led by Anont and NDM members yesterday visited the students at the prison in a show of support.

Meanwhile, another group of seven students – six from the Seri (Liberty) Kasetsart group and one from NDM – have been charged with violating NCPO Order 3/2558 and the Public Assembly Act. The students gathered on Friday at Wat Prasri Mahadhat in Bang Khen in a bid to disseminate NDM documents regarding the charter draft. 

However, the Military Court released the seven given that they are students and the offence not serious.