Above: The pro-democracy activists held a rally at Democracy Monument on June 25 / Photo: Dao Din
Fourteen pro-democracy activists will not be released before facing a military court, Army Chief Udomdej Sitabutr said today.
Udomdej said despite widespread calls for the students’ release, they must be held accountable for their actions, and will appear before the military court tomorrow to consider extending their detention after being arrested for demonstrating peacefully against the junta late last month.
The students said through a lawyer Friday they will ask the military court to try them publicly.
The students will propose their trial be held in public when they are expected to go before the military court Tuesday, attorney Krisdang Nutcharas said.
Since their arrest June 28, the dissident students have stood their ground and demanded trial in a civilian court instead of the military court, Thai PBS reported.
They have refused to seek bail from the military court, claiming it has no authority in their case because they are civilians. If the case is brought to a civilian court, they will request bail, Krisdang said.
More than a week after the students were detained, many university lecturers, students, human right activists and international organizations have called for their release, saying they shouldn’t be punished for peacefully expressing their opinions.
Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha last week rejected calls from the United Nations and European Union for their release, according to Reuters.
