BANGKOK, April 4 – The Criminal Court has revoked arrest warrants for 18 anti-government protest leaders after the emergency decree was revoked.
The Court earlier approved the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) request to issue the warrants on February 5, charging the 18 protesters of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) with violating the state of emergency.
The court on Thursday ruled that as the caretaker government has revoked the emergency decree. Consequently the warrants to arrest the 18 activists, including PDRC secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban, should be lifted accordingly.
The PDRC protesters earlier filed a lawsuit with the Appeals Court, seeking the court’s decision to annul the arrest warrants. The Appeals Court has yet to give its ruling on the case.
The Criminal Court was to inform the Appeals Court on yesterday’s decision.
Mr Suthep is now facing only insurrection charges while three other leaders, Nitithorn Lamlua, Uthai Yodmanee and Ratchayut Sirayothinpakdi also known as Amorn Amornratananont, are accused of gathering more than 10 people, intruding into others’ property, and possessing weapons at night time.
The 18 are Suthep Thaugsuban, Sathit Wongnongtoey, Chumpol Jullasai, Buddhipongse Punnakanta, Issara Somchai, Witthaya Kaewparadai, Thaworn Senneam, Natapol Teepsuwan, Akanat Promphan, Anchalee Paireerak, Nithithorn Lumlua, Uthai Yodmanee, Samdin Lertbut, Preecha Iamsuphan, Ratchayut Sirayothinpakdi (Amorn or Amornthep Amornratananont), Kittichai Saisa-ard, Samran Rodphet and Phansuwan Na Kaew.
