Prachatai
25 January 2008
News  
On 22 January 2008 at 10.00 am, ten NGO activists, Mr. Jon Ungphakorn, Mr. Sirichai Mai-ngarm, Mr. Pichit Chaimongkol, Mr. Anirut Khaosanit, Ms. Supinya Klangnarong, Mr. Sawit Kaewwarn, Mr. Pairoj Polphet, Mr. Amnat Plamee, Mr. Nasser Yeema, and Ms. Saree Ongsomwang reported to the Metropolitan Police Headquarters in response to a police warrant. They were charged with being the leaders of a demonstration last year which invaded parliament, calling for the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to end deliberation of laws that would have a grave impact on people's freedom and liberty such as the Internal Security Act. During the activists' appearance before the police at police headquarters, about 100 people were present to give support. According to the warrant, they face five charges: 1) trespass by using force or joining with 2 or more persons to commit crimes; 2) illegal gathering and using force with more than 10 people for the purpose of intimidation and causing unrest in society; 3) gathering with more than 5 persons to force others to act or not act against their will out of fear for their safety or their lives; 4) detaining and obstructing others against their will and 5) using loud speakers without permission. Before reporting to the police, Mr. Jon Ungphakorn, the Chairperson of the NGO Coordinating Committee on Development (NGO-COD) gave an interview to the media saying that he believed that what he did was an action that is protected under the constitution and did not create any harm. He understood that the police are taking action according to their role. However, he denied all charges because none of those charged had the intentions as laid out in the charges. It was done to protect the interests of society and the country. Pol Major General Thanee Somboonsap, Deputy Police Commander in charge of the Metropolitan Police committee handling this case, said that investigators had informed the accused of the five charges. From the initial investigations, all had denied that they broke the law and submitted a petition to submit more information to investigators in 15 days, which the investigator accepted. He said that a decision as to whether further summons will be issued will be based on eyewitness testimony and further investigations. Currently, there are no links to other persons and it is also in the discussion phase whether other people will be prosecuted. The investigation took around three hours. At 1.20 pm, the 10 accused came out with positive attitudes without any anxiety. After that they greeted the supporters who had gathered in front of the Metropolitan Police Headquarters. The demonstrators were thanked and were informed that the accused were well-treated by the police. Mr. Jon said "Thank you for your support. This makes me feel pleasantly warm although this is something I have never faced before. Our appearance before the police today is just to receive the charges. Some of us might face different charges such as illegal use of loudspeakers. We have submitted our initial information and have asked for a 15-day extension to provide more information. So this is just the preliminary meeting with the police." Meanwhile, the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee submitted a letter to the Commander of the Royal Thai Police calling for justice and for him to consider cancelling the charges against the 10 accused leaders of people's organizations since they have been tirelessly dedicated to working for peace and for society. Besides, the eight laws that the people organizations were calling for the NLA to stop examining will affect the people. These laws include the Privatization Act (which will have an impact on the basic welfare of the people), the Water Act (which will have an impact on farmers), Chulalongkorn, Chiang Mai and Naruesuan University Acts (which increase students' tuition fees), the Internal Security Act (which will affect the freedom and rights of the people), and many others. The petition also explained that during the demonstration in front of parliament on 12 December 2007, the entry of the protesters into parliament remained peaceful and did not cause any harm. It was a peaceful exercise of political expression without weapons, as allowed by the constitution. The action was taken with sincerity without any hidden agenda. The Thai Labour Solidarity Committee hoped that there will be harmony and understanding among the Thai people in different sectors. Therefore they called on the Commander of the Royal Thai Police to consider dropping these charges and to give justice to these representatives of civil society. Related News:
10 NGO Activists Prepare to Report on Charges of Invading Parliament Translated by Pokpong Lawansiri
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