Over 1,000 anti-government protestors took to the streets of Bangkok's commercial district on Saturday following the arrest of two protest leaders and their overnight detention. On Friday, student activist Panupong Jadnok, 23, and human rights lawyer Anon Nampa, 35, were charged on Friday and detained in connection with a string of protests seeking greater democracy.
The duo was released on Saturday on bail, with further investigation of the charges pending, and also on the condition that they do not repeat the offense. Weeranan Huadsri, Anon's lawyer, told Reuters, "The court's condition was that the two not repeat actions like allegations from this case." However, they could participate in legal protests.
Protest Continues
Charges against Anon and Panupong include sedition and violating an emergency decree imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. At a protest on Monday, Anon had also made an extremely rare call for reforms to the powerful monarchy, but he was not charged over that.
Anon and Panupong appeared in good health when they exited the court and pledged to continue protesting. "We will join protests that are in accordance with the constitution, he said. He said he had always acted peacefully in accordance with the constitution and that the government should stop its harassment.
Their release, however, did not appease more than 1,000 demonstrators who moved ahead with an anti-government rally in Bangkok's shopping district. "Do not harass the citizens," protesters shouted at a bridge in front of the MBK shopping center despite police appeals to disperse.
Demanding Suspension of Parliament
They chanted "Police get out" and "Dictatorship shall fall" and gave the three-finger salutes of pro-democracy protesters who are demanding the dissolution of parliament, amending the constitution and new elections.
Police Colonel Patikorn Sornchai said the protesters were clearly breaking the emergency law on Saturday after being told to disperse and they would be investigated. Demonstrations have returned to Thailand's streets to call for removal of the government of 2014 coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha after a disputed election last year that activists say was engineered to ensure his hold on power. "We cannot stand the tyranny and oppression that is being inflicted on the Thai people," said 22-year-old student Pattanun Arunpreechawat. "We have to come out to show that."
(With inputs from agencies)
