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| Southeast Asia |
| Thai Red Shirt leaders face new charges |
| 2011-04-20 |
| [Straits Times] THAI authorities have summoned 18 leaders of the opposition 'Red Shirt' movement to face charges of sedition and insulting the revered monarchy, a top official said on Tuesday. The accused include acting chairwoman Thida Thavornseth as well as Red Shirt politician Jatuporn Prompan and other key figures, said the head of Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Tarit Pengdith. 'I have signed the summonses and sent them to all those 18 Red Shirt leaders,' Mr Tarit told AFP. He said the leaders were charged with breaching state security by insulting the monarchy and inciting unrest, and would have to report to the authorities to answer the allegations early next month. Lese majeste - insulting the monarchy - is a serious offence in Thailand punishable by up to 15 years in jail. The charges stem from speeches made at a Red Shirt rally held on April 10 that drew tens of thousands of people, to mark the first anniversary of deadly festivities between the movement's supporters and armed troops in central Bangkok. |
| Posted by:Fred |