Democrat Party legal head backs new political corruption law
The head of the Democrat Party’s legal department, Virat Kalayasiri, backs the new organic law’s procedures against political post holders, saying it gives the accused rights to a defence of their case, even if they are absent for the trial.
Under the draft new law, defendants could still appoint lawyers to represent their interest in the court, in addition to being able to appeal the case if new evidence came to light, he said.
With the new law, Virat said, politicians should take care not to commit crimes of corruption. Also, in order to preserve their rights, they should stand trial themselves, and not run away.
The organic law was passed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Thursday despite debates over clauses allowing trial in absentia and suspension of the statute of limitations for accused politicians who have fled.
Virat said that trials in absentia are not unique. It is allowed also in normal criminal cases with potential imprisonment of under 10 years, but before being taken up by the court the case must go through examination by independent organisations such as the Anti-Corruption Commission as well as the attorney general.
The new law is not designed to target one specific person, Virat said in response to intense debate about whether it targets fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Rather, anyone guilty of malfeasance and corruption should be affected equally by the law, Virat said. The practice has long been demanded by politicians, he added.