Court rejects bail bid of 11 Red Shirt leaders, guards

BANGKOK, June 15 (TNA) – Thailand’s Criminal Court on Tuesday rejected a bid for bail for eight anti-government Red Shirt leaders and three Red Shirt guards, citing concerns over possible flight to evade prosecution or incarceration, as the detainees face charges with severe punishment.

Among the UDD leaders to be further detained are Veera Musikapong, Weng Tojirakarn, Korkaew Pikulthong and Natthawut Saikua.

As the period of detention approved earlier by the court ends Wednesday, police sought Criminal Court approval Monday to further extend their detention on charges of terrorism, while the group’s lawyer prepared assets of one million baht to request bail for each.

Hundreds of Red Shirt supporters gathered at the court compound to show their moral support for their leaders immediately expressed their dissatisfaction with the court ruling.

The Red Shirt leaders and guards were transferred to Bangkok Remand Prison for detention amid anger and sadness of Red Shirt supporters who tried to obstruct the police car carrying their leaders.

Police had to clear the area, while some of the Red Shirts followed their leaders to the prison.

Red Shirt lawyer Karom Ponthaklang said he was worried by the court order as he sought bail requests as he did for another key Red Shirt leader, Jatuporn Prompan, who was earlier released by the court.

Mr Karom however said he will appeal the bail bid for the detained leaders to Appeal Court again Wednesday afternoon.

The Criminal Court early this month granted unconditional bail to two Red Shirt members of parliament from the opposition Puea Thai Party, Jatuporn and Karun Hosakul, also charged with terrorism. They had posted one million baht each as collateral for their bail bond.

The Red Shirt leaders have been charged with terrorism after their protests to demand House dissolution which began since March 14 turned deadly with sporadic grenade, bomb and shooting incidents.

Most casualties occurred on April 10 at Ratchadamnoen Avenue’s Khok Wua intersection and May 19 at Ratchaprasong during the military operation which forced an end to their month protest in the capital’s prime retail area.

Overall the clashes left 89 people dead and nearly 1,900 wounded.

Riots in the protest areas after Red Shirt leaders surrendered to police were followed by arson which destroyed or damaged nearly 40 public and commercial buildings. (TNA)