Chavalit tries to reconnect; Police seek further detention of Chamlong
Written by Writer on Monday, October 6th, 2008
Chavalit tries to reconnect; Police seek further detention of Chamlong
BANGKOK, Oct 6 (TNA) - Thailand’s Criminal Court is scheduled to rule on Monday whether to grant police permission for further detention of retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, one of the top core leaders of the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), for another 12 days, following his arrest Sunday while he was voting in the Bangkok governor’s election.
Gen. Chamlong greeted PAD supporters who had gathered outside the court to give him moral support but refused to give any comment.
Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, deputy prime minister, said he will continue to push efforts to hold talks with the PAD representatives. He defended the police action in apprehending Gen. Chamlong, saying the PAD leader had already been issued an arrest warrant. He also brushed aside allegations that the government was behind the move.
The deputy premier urged all sides not to misconstrue Gen. Chamlong’s departure from the Government House compound to vote as his intentionally planning to have himself arrested in order to mobilise mass street protests. Gen. Chavalit asserted that the PAD core leader merely wanted to exercise his rights to vote for Bangkok governor.
Meanwhile, Suwat Apaipak, PAD lawyer filed a petition to the court seeking Gen. Chamlong’s release, saying the police action was unlawful as the Appeals Court is deliberating whether to revoke the arrest warrants of nine PAD members on insurrection charges later today.
Police on August 27 issued arrest warrants for nine of the group’s leaders on charges of insurrection, conspiracy, and illegal assembly by over 10 persons, and refusing orders to disperse. The warrants imposed on the nine leaders spelled out serious criminal charges punishable by death or life imprisonment.
Pipob Thongchai, another key PAD leader, said the coalition would reconsider talks with the government which he accused of demonstrating insincerity by attempting to amend the charter and arresting the two key PAD leaders.
He also said the PAD would announce its next move later Monday, adding that the coalition may revive its campaign to rally at strategic areas to pressure the government.
Dr. Prinya Thewanarumitkul, deputy rector of Thammasat University, warned that Gen. Chamlong’s arrest could lead to violence. He urged all parties concerned to take reconciliatory steps to solve the problem. (TNA)
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