Public gathering by Yingluck supporters 'could violate law'
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said categorically on Wednesday that he would be in charge of security when the final verdict is delivered in the case against former premier Yingluck Shinawatra over her government’s rice pledging scheme.
Prawit said the government has peacekeeping units to take care of security but the court could request additional measures if needed.
Prawit said it was possible that supporters of Yingluck could turn up in large numbers to give her moral support. He, however, added that it would be better for them to do that from home as arranging people to come to support her publicly could be considered politically motivated. This is prohibited and could risk violating the law, he added.
The government yesterday continued to try to dissuade supporters of Yingluck from gathering. Key government figures, including the prime minister himself, warned that gatherings could be deemed a contempt of court and lead to unrest or violence.
Security authorities also threatened to enforce a junta ban on political gatherings if Yingluck’s supporters are judged to be mobilising politically.
Large numbers of Yingluck’s supporters are expected to gather in Bangkok on August 25, when the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division on Political Office Holders is scheduled to deliver its verdict in the case against Yingluck.
She has been accused of criminal negligence for failing to end the project despite irregularities.