Two pro-democracy activists given conditional bail
The Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok granted provisional bail on Saturday to two activists -- Anon Nampa, a prominent human rights lawyer, and Phanuphong Chatnok, a member of the Eastern Youth for Democracy.
Karom Polpornklang, Move Forward Party's party-list MP, who is also the lawyer of both activists, said the provisional release is on condition that both must not repeat the activities that led to their charges.
The release took place after police had asked for court permission to keep them in detention pending completion of the investigation after charging them on seven counts.
The charges included provoking unrest, the illegal gathering of more than 10 people to hold any activities that caused unrest, holding activities that exposed the public to a contagion, blocking public paths, obstructing traffic, placing objects on streets and using electric loud speakers without prior approval.
The police investigators reasoned that the investigation process had yet to be finished and they needed to investigate six more witnesses.
Anon insisted that he had not incited unrest. He added that the government should listen to those who have different opinions.
Anon is one of the key figures leading the anti-government rally since July 18. Phanuphong had held a placard to protest against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his visit to Rayong.