Mentors Posted September 8, 2009 Report Share Posted September 8, 2009 BANGKOK- A FORMER Thai prime minister and national police chief should be criminally prosecuted for their roles in last year's deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters, a state commission said on Monday. The October riot outside Parliament, where two protesters were killed and more than 500 were injured, was the bloodiest event in yearlong political violence. The National Counter-Corruption Commission said former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, former Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and the national and Bangkok police chiefs were criminally negligent in overseeing the Oct7, 2008 police action. 'They failed to give an order to end the (police) action even after protesters were hurt and killed,' said Somluck Chadkrabuanpol, a commission spokesman. The riot was a low point of the prolonged struggle for power in Thailand between supporters and opponents of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra after he was ousted in 2006. Somchai was a supporter of Thaksin. Last year's protesters wanted the pro-Thaksin government to step down. Earlier this year there was a change of administration. Now supporters of Thaksin, who is in self-imposed exile, want the current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to resign. The commission, which is tasked with investigating malpractice by government officials and lawmakers, accused Somchai and Chavalit of failure to carry out their duties. It will forward the recommendation to the state prosecutor's office, which will determine if it goes to court, Somluck said. The commission's finding is likely to be seen by some as reflecting political bias, because it fits a pattern of rulings against Thaksin's supporters. A criminal prosecution could carry a penalty of one to 10 years in prison or fine of 2,000-20,000 baht (S$845-813) or both. The October 2008 clashes broke out after police tried to clear the street around Parliament to allow in lawmakers. The most serious harm allegedly was caused by poor-quality tear gas canisters that sent shrapnel flying. Mr Somchai and the others have denied responsibility for the violence. The commission also recommended criminal charges and severe disciplinary action for National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan and former Metropolitan Police Chief Lt. Gen. Suchart Meunkaew for dereliction of duty and negligence. The commission's recommendations will be forwarded to Mr Abhisit, who will decide whether to remove them from office. -- AP http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_426653.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroyinEwa/Perv Posted September 8, 2009 Report Share Posted September 8, 2009 What a crock!! If this flys, can we do this to George W??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faustian Posted September 8, 2009 Report Share Posted September 8, 2009 No, because he's pretty much immune to prosecution....and also you'd need to find evidence, which you wont... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damen Posted September 8, 2009 Report Share Posted September 8, 2009 Edited by Faustian on 08/09/2009 15:55. Reason for edit: I love the smell of an edit in the morning Disneyland? Fuck, man, this is better than Disneyland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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