BANGKOK, 6 February 2014 The Criminal Court has resolved to issue an arrest warrant for Phra Buddha Issara, who is leading the protest of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) in the Chaeng Wattana area.
The court today agreed to a previously filed request for a warrant of arrest against Phra Buddha Issara for his obstruction of the recent elections. The jury cited that there was enough evidence and witness testimony to confirm that the monk had led PDRC supporters to surround the Lak Si District Office from January 25-26 and from January 31-February 2 with an intention to prevent the absentee voting as well as the official election from taking place.
Police were instructed to notify the court within 7 days after the arrest is made. The arrest warrant is also not to be publicized via social media or dispersed by helicopter.
An investigative officer of the Thung Song Hong Police Station revealed that Phra Buddha Issara would now be informed of the court’s issuance of his arrest warrant while confirming that the monk would be treated with respect, with no force to be applied.
The court’s latest verdict was made one day after arrest warrants were issued for 19 other PDRC core leaders, who include Mr Suthep Thaugsuban, Mr Satit Wongnongtaey, Mr Chumpol Julasai and Mr Ekanat Prompan.
