Court withdraws bail for Yossawaris | Bangkok Post

Court withdraws bail for Yossawaris | Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post, August 22, 2012

The Criminal Court on Wednesday revoked the bail of Yossawaris Chuklom, alias Jeng Dokchik, for violating bail conditions but 17 other red-shirt leaders, including Jatuporn Prompan and Veerakan Musikhapong, remain free pending trial on terrorism-related charges.

The court announced its decision came after examining three new witnesses for Mr Yossawaris.  They were Thanis Thienthong, a deputy interior minister; Pol Col Krailert Buakaew, deputy chief of Metropolitan Police Division 1; and Jarin Suankaew, chairman of the December 5 Maharat Foundation.

The decision covers only 18 of the 19 defendants. Phumkitti "Pichet" Sukchindathong, the 11th defendant, submitted a doctor's letter certifying that he was sick and unable to attend.
The court will consider the future of Mr Phumkitti's bail, together with the five Pheu Thai MPs who are protected by parliamentary immunity, on Nov 29.

The court said that Mr Yossawaris was the only one of the 17 defendants found to have violated any of the conditions set for bail.

Mr Jatuporn did use harsh and impolite words in his speech, but what he said did not insult or threaten Constitution Court judges.  So, he had not violated his bail conditions.

As for Mr Yossawaris, the court said the way he gave out the telephone numbers of the judges to the audience and told them to make threatening calls, and his gestures, could be construed as a threat and applying pressure on the judges.

Therefore, the court decided to revoke Mr Yossawaris' bail.

Those remaining free on bail were prohibited from going up on the stage to make any speeches and from travelling abroad.

After the court delivered its decision, United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship spokesman Worawut Wichaidit asked the red-shirt supporters gathered outside the court to stay calm and accept the court's ruling, adding that the UDD would re-apply for bail for Mr Yossawaris.

Mr Yossawaris was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison after hearing the court's decision.
UDD lawyer Winyat Chartmontree said he would submit a new bail application, but did not say when.  After re-applying for bail, he would also seek Mr Yossawaris' transfer from Bangkok Remand Prison to a temporary detention centre for defendants in political cases at Bang Khen.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Nattawut Saikuar, one of the five MPs due to attend the court's bail hearing on Nov 29, said UDD core members must be more careful in making public speeches.