Bangkok –
A prominent protest leader and three pro-democracy activists were released from Bangkok Remand Prison in the early hours of this morning, November 3, after the Criminal Court rejected a police request to keep them in custody.
Arnon Nampa, Aekkachai Hongkangwan, Somyot Prueksakasemsook, and Suranart Paenprasert were released at 12:03 A.M. and were welcomed by a large group of pro-democracy supporters gathered in front of the prison.
Speaking after, human rights lawyer Arnon stressed that he would continue to stand with protesters and fight for true democracy in Thailand under the three core demands of political changes.
Regarding the government’s idea of forming a reconciliation committee, the human rights lawyer told the press that the pro-democracy protest representatives would be willing to participate in the committee if the discussion was based on honesty and truth.
Arnon stated: “We are ready to talk to the Government as long as they are willing to listen to our issues and requests which have already been clear since our first protest.”
“Even if there is a violent provocation from some opponent protesters or authorities, I would like to assure everyone that violence is not the answer and we will continue to fight peacefully.”
Arnon Nampa was re-arrested in Chiang Mai on October 26 and held on remand for 19 days for alleged sedition and several charges relating to his participation in a Free Youth mass rally on September 19 at Thammasat University and Sanam Luang in Bangkok.
Somyot Prueksakasemsook also faced an alleged sedition charge on October 16 for involving in the same rally.
Aekkachai Hongkangwan and Suranart Paenprasert were charged under Section 110 of the Criminal Code with allegedy causing harm to Her Majesty the Queen in the Royal motorcade on October 14.
Prachachuen police officers told their lawyer from Thailand Lawyers for Human Rights that the police elsewhere in the country have not yet asked them to continue to hold the four in custody.
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