Court extends detention of pro-democracy activists

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Pro-democracy supporters stage a sit-in protest in front of a police line during a gathering to mark the fourth anniversary of the military take-over of government in Bangkok, Tuesday, May 22. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
Pro-democracy supporters stage a sit-in protest in front of a police line during a gathering to mark the fourth anniversary of the military take-over of government in Bangkok, Tuesday, May 22. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

Bangkok (AP) — A court in Bangkok has extended the detention of 15 pro-democracy activists arrested earlier this week for protesting against the military government.

A lawyer for the activists said Thursday that the court agreed to a police request for a further 12 days detention.

They were arrested on Tuesday at a protest marking the fourth anniversary of the 2014 military coup and calling for elections this year.

Police have charged each activist with several offenses including violating a ban on political assembly and obstructing officials.

Documents that police submitted to the court said they needed more time to complete their investigations. They also argued that bail should be denied because of the seriousness of the alleged offenses.