Protest leaders back in jail for violating law, defaming monarchy
Pro-democracy movement leaders Arnon Nampa, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, Panupong Jadnok and Jatupat “Pai Dao Din” Boonpattararaksa have been flung behind bars again for allegedly violating the Emergency Decree earlier this month.
Despite their leaders being detained, the movement is going ahead with the rally at Ratchaprasong intersection that is scheduled to kick off at 1pm on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Court threw human-rights lawyer Arnon behind bars after he went to Pathumwan Police Station in response to his arrest warrant. He faces arrest for participating in a rally outside the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre on August 3.
Arnon has also been charged of defaming the monarchy and participating in an illegal gathering. He denies all charges and says he will provide a written explanation in 30 days.
Also on Monday, the Thanyaburi Provincial Court in Pathum Thani found Parit and Panupong guilty of holding an illegal protest outside the Border Patrol Police Region 1 building on August 2. The court has denied bail for both protesters.
The Criminal Court also revoked Parit’s bail request over a lese majeste charge.
Bail requests filed by Arnon and Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul will be considered on September 7.
Jatupat was also detained when he visited Thung Song Hong Police Station in Bangkok on Monday to acknowledge charges related to a rally held at the station on August 3.
He is being charged with organising an illegal gathering and damaging public property. The protesters had splashed paint on the building.
Jatupat denied the charges, but was detained for repeating violations. He was also denied bail as the court believes he will violate law again if released.
