Thai prosecutor indicts 18 over anti-government protests
A good Thai prosecutor on Mon indicted 18 activists because of their roles in anti-federal government rallies last year by a protest activity that has brought unprecedented issues to the royal palace and military-dominated establishment.
The youth-led motion sprang up this past year calling for the resignation of Primary Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta head, and reform of the powerful Thai monarchy, breaking a longstanding taboo beneath the country's lese majeste laws. Those indicted included three prominent leaders billed with sedition and lese majeste during rallies in September, where thousands escalated calls for monarchy reforms. The different 15 protesters encounter trial for sedition and breaching a ban on open public assembly. "There is certainly sufficient facts that the accused possess committed wrongdoing," Chanchai Chalanonniwat, deputy spokesman for any office of the Attorney Standard told reporters.
If the court rejects their bail requests, all 18 could possibly be jailed later on Monday until their trials. Thailand's lese majeste rules prohibits criticism or insults against the king, and each offense is normally punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Panupong Jadnok, one those charged with lese majeste, said his group was unfazed by the prospect of jail. "I am not also worried," Panupong said.
"The activities we have done are sole the beginning, and it will just do it even without us."
Thailand's youth movement has posed the largest challenge up to now to past army chief Prayuth, who also they say engineered the guidelines of the 2019 election to keep himself in power. Protesters also say the constitution provides king too much electric power and demand that a few of it be curbed.
Four different activist leaders are in jail awaiting trial over the same protests having been denied bail five circumstances. At least 63 persons have been billed under lese majeste laws and regulations since November, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human being Rights group.
