THE Human Rights Lawyers Association posted a message on Twitter today (April 29) that the Criminal Court had rejected bail for Mr. Parit Chiwarak, or Penguin, and six other activists despite hundreds of People’s Party followers rallying at the compound and submitting a letter appealing that they be released from their pretrial detention, Sanook.com and Thai Rath newspaper said.
The six other activists still detained are Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, Mr. Anon Nampa, Mr. Panupong Chadnok, or Mike, Mr Chaiamorn Kaewwiboonpan, a popular singer who goes by the professional name of Ammy the Bottom Blues, Mr. Chukiat Saengwong, or Justin, and Mr Parinya Cheewinkulpatom, or Port Faiyen, who is a musician.
A court document the centre received said, “There is no reason to change the original order.”
The centre said the seven activists have been accused of violating Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law, but have not been convicted.
Meanwhile Penguin’s mother, Mrs. Sureerat Chivarak, said she is deeply concerned about her son’s health because he has started defecating blood and pieces of flesh.
This has promoted Twitter users to express their concern with the hashtag #SavePenguin becoming today’s top trend on Thai Twitter. Some of them called on celebrities to speak out and help him just as they would if someone close to them contracted Covid-19.
Earlier at 12.30 p.m. hundreds of People’s Party followers showed up at the Criminal Court on Ratchadapisek Road to submit a letter appealing for the release of their detained leaders and other activists. They managed to get to the court’s staircase before police and security guards put up barriers to prevent them from going in.
Move Forward Party’s secretary-general Mr. Chaitawat Tulthon together with some MPs, including Mr Rangsiman Rome and Ms. Suttawan Suban Na Ayudhya, also came to the court to observe the bail application.
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The rally outside the Criminal Court on Ratchadapisek Road today. Photos: Thai Rath
