TWO MORE Free Youth leaders were arrested today (August 26) for alleged offenses under Section 116 of the Criminal Code as well as seven other counts over speeches given at the Democracy Monument rally on July 18, Thai Rath newspaper reported.
Upon their arrival at Samranrat police station Mr. Thatthep Ruangprapaikitseree, or Ford, the secretary-general of the Free Youth movement and the 6th accused, along with Mr. Panumas Singprom, or James, the 30th accused, gave the three-finger salute. About six to seven people were there to observe and give them encouragement.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Methee Rakphan, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, came to the station to question the suspects and said he expects that only two would arrested today but would still have to check the details. Regarding preparing for the people who might show up to support the arrested suspects he said the police are on the same side as the people.
At 2.30 p.m. police took both Thatthep and Panumat to the Ratchada Criminal Court to ask for their pre-trial detention.
Meanwhile Ms. Pawinee Chumsri, a lawyer at the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre, said a professor at Chulalongkorn University will use his position as guarantee for the temporary release of Thatthep while a Kao Klai MP would do the same for Panumat.
So far arrest warrants have been issued for 15 Free Youth leaders for the July 18 rally with 13 having been apprehended. Meanwhile 16 others have been summoned to give evidence to Samranrat police on August 28.
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The two Free Youth leaders while being arrested today. Photos: Thai Rath
