DSI seeks court order to detain Red Shirt leader

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BANGKOK, Dec 7 - Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI) on Tuesday petitioned the country's court in opposing the temporary release of key Red Shirt leader and Puea Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan, saying his moves have tampered with the investigation underway since May and with court procedures.

DSI Director-General Tharit Pengdit appeared at the Criminal Court Tuesday morning to lodge his agency's petition to the court regarding Mr Jatuporn's parliamentary immunity which has ended now that the lower house of Parliament session closed Nov 29.

Mr Jatuporn was among leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) who led the anti-government protests in downtown Bangkok during March until mid-May and was charged with terrorism.

The protest ended May 19 after the Red Shirt leaders announced the end of their protest and surrendered to police after bloody clashes with the government forces. Most key protest leaders
remain in detention and bail was rejected for them for fear of their possible flight.

Mr Jatuporn was granted bail as he has parliamentary immunity, but only while Parliament is in session. Another UDD leader, Veera Musikapong, was also released with conditions.

Mr Tharit said that since Mr Jatuporn was granted a temporary release he has intentionally violated the bail rules, obstructed and caused damage to the official investigation, as well as court procedure.

The DSI chief stated that Mr Jatuporn told the media accusing DSI officials and prosecutors of treating him unfairly. The Red Shirt leader also incited the public to rally to pressure the investigators and mobilise crowds in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces where a state of emergency remains in place in order to pressure the government.

Mr Tharit explained that he petitioned the court by himself as the terrorism case is considered important and the public needs clarification.

Mr Tharit reemphasised that Mr Jatuporn should follow the bail conditions as others do, referring to UDD chair Veera who was banned from travelling outside the capital, prohibited from media interviews on politics and from participating in any demonstrations.

The DSI chief said, however, that it depends on the court consideration and the order will be issued this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Mr Jatuporn reportedly filed a complaint to the Supreme Court Tuesday morning, asking for fair treatment following the DSI move to withdraw his bail. (MCOT online news)