Pheu Thai MP and four red-shirt leaders jailed four years over 2009 violent protests
Pheu Thai MP and four red-shirt leaders jailed four years for leading violent protests against the Abhisit government during 2009 political unrest.
The Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced a Pheu Thai MP and four red-shirt leaders to four years and four months in prison after finding them guilty of violating the emergency decree and inciting rebellion and public disorder during protests in 2009.
The court found five of the 13 defendants guilty of violating the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation by leading demonstrations against the Abhisit Vejjajiva government between January 31 and April 9, 2009.
Those convicted are:
- Veerakarn Musikapong, former president of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD)
- Jatuporn Promphan, former UDD leader
- Nattawut Saikua, now a Pheu Thai MP
- Weng Tojirakarn, red-shirt leader
- Adisorn Piangket, Pheu Thai MP
The five said they would seek release on bail pending an appeal.
The reading of the verdict was originally scheduled for August 22 but was postponed because Adisorn was attending a parliamentary session and was protected by legal immunity, while another defendant, Pongpitchet Sukjinda, had jumped bail. The court has issued an arrest warrant for Pongpitchet.
Public prosecutors told the court that the 13 defendants organised and led violent protests during the period, besieging Government House and disrupting Cabinet operations.
The indictment also alleged that the defendants led demonstrators to surround the residence of then Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda to pressure him, General Surayud Chulanont, and Charnchai Likhitjittha to resign as privy councillors.
They were also accused of leading protesters to besiege several key government offices.
All defendants pleaded not guilty and were released on bail while fighting the case in the primary court.
