Thailand: 14 students protesting against the government have not yet been released.

(Baonghean.vn) - The Thai army commander said on Monday, July 6th, that 14 students arrested after staging anti-government protests will face a military court and will not be released yet.

Anti-government protest on January 29, 2014 in Bangkok.

The students were arrested last month after holding peaceful protests in Bangkok calling for an end to the military regime in the country. Thailand's advisory council, which calls itself the National Council for Peace and Order, has banned all political gatherings.

On Friday, June 3rd, many people stopped in front of a temporary wall in downtown Bangkok to post messages of support for the students. Some read: "Release the 14 students."

Army commander Udomdej Sitabutr acknowledged community support for the students but rejected calls for their release. "Security officials don't see the students as enemies; they're like our granddaughters and grandsons. The authorities arrested them because they behaved improperly," Udomdej told reporters. "We have to let the law decide, and the next step is to send the case to the military court."

Last week, the United Nations and the European Union called on Thailand to release the students, but Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said he would not yield to international pressure. The 14 students will face a military court next Tuesday.

Phuong Thao (According to Reuters)