Military court releases fourteen detained students
A military court in Thailand released fourteen students yesterday. The thirteen men and a woman were arrested on June 26 because they were protesting against the military regime.
The students are still suspected of sedition and are still at risk of disappearing behind bars for years. The group had staged a series of protests in the capital and elsewhere. The case led to international commotion and much criticism of the junta in power in Thailand. The use of military courts to try civilians and the curtailment of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly has been particularly criticized.
Professors and students protested at the court. Under the great pressure, the court decided on Tuesday to reject a request from the police to extend the detention of the students by twelve days. “The court agreed with our request to release the students because they do not intend to flee,” said the students' lawyer. “They can now continue with their studies.”
In a demonstration on June 25, students wrapped the Democracy Monument in Bangkok with black cloth. They shouted slogans and demanded the departure of the junta. In May, the same students staged a demonstration in Khon Kaen province to mark the first anniversary of the country's coup.
Human Rights Watch says that with the release the government is trying to improve its image, but that is denied by the NCPO spokesperson: “The power to release the students rests with the court. No one can influence the decision.” HRW believes that all allegations against the students should be dropped.
According to government rumors, the students are being incited by the US. The US embassy denies the allegations: “We are not taking sides. We support democratic principles and civil liberties.”
The released students have been charged with sedition and violating the ban on political gatherings with more than five people. They could face up to 7,5 years in prison if convicted. It is not yet known when the lawsuit against the students will start.
Source: Bangkok Post – http://goo.gl/ZpFnTE
Quote: “We don't take sides. We support democratic principles and civil liberties.”
I think they are saying that they DO take sides.