The Criminal Court has dismissed police request to detain four pro-election activists, saying they have cooperated with authorities and are no flight risks.
Nang Lerng police took Sukrit Piansuwan, 24, Kan Pongprapapan, 24, Sirawich Seritiwat, 25, and Anon Nampa, 33, to the court on Thursday.
They were accused of illegal assembly of more than five people under the junta chief’s order and of sedition under Section 116 of the Criminal Code when they held a rally to demand the general election be held this year at Democracy Monument on Feb 10.
Police claimed they had to question another six witnesses and was waiting for criminal records examination.
They opposed bail, reasoning the suspects were co-leaders and would hold more rallies, creating unrest in the country.
During the Feb 10 rally, police said they strongly attacked the government and encouraged people to join them in ousting it, as well as using symbolic gestures, read the police’s detention request.
After hearing both sides, the court dismissed the police’s request, saying the protesters have permanent residences and have not failed to show up when summoned.
The four activists told reporters after they were released they would continue their activities at Thammasat University Tha Phra Chan campus on Saturday.
