Thailand begins trial of red shirt leader
On December 14, one day after former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was indicted for his role in the bloody riots, the trial of the leaders of Thailand's 2010 red shirt protest movement took place.
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Red shirt movement supporting Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra - photo: puntercalls.com |
According to AFP, the 24 defendants, including five current lawmakers, could theoretically face the death penalty. The trial was adjourned on December 13 due to the absence of key witnesses.
Red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan told reporters on December 13 that they would “fight to the end.”
On December 13, former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who was in power during the protests, and his then-deputy Suthep Thaugsuban were charged with murder in connection with the death of a taxi driver who was shot dead during the conflict. They were the first officials involved in the case to go to trial. Both have denied the charges.
The red shirt movement, mostly supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, demanded immediate elections during their 2010 protests.
The subsequent elections in 2011 brought Mr Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, to the prime ministership, defeating Mr Abhisit himself.
The red shirt leaders pleaded not guilty at their impeachment hearing in August 2010. Their trial could last months, even years, because hearings can only be held when parliament is not in session because lawmakers have immunity.
According to Tuoi Tre - DT
