Protesters threatened with rebel rap

Protesters threatened with rebel rap

MPB collecting evidence to back arrest warrants

The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has geared up its effort to clamp down on anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban and his supporters by threatening to charge them with "cooperating with a rebellion".

Forensic officers examine the scene where two protest guards were attacked by a group of motorcyclists throwing firecrackers and pingpong bombs at anti-government protesters at Kok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue on Thursday night. APICHART JINAKUL

The MPB is collecting evidence to press charges against those who support Mr Suthep's protests following the order of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (Capo), MPB spokesman Adul Narongsak said.

Supporters who could face the charge include individuals, media groups and financial contributors, Pol Maj Gen Adul said.

He also said the Criminal Court had issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr Suthep, with a charge of rebellion relating to his supporters' invasion of state offices.

On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, in his capacity as Capo director, warned that anyone who provided support or shelter for Mr Suthep might also be charged under Section 114 of the Criminal Code regarding cooperating with and supporting acts of rebellion.

Mr Surapong said police will be asked to issue arrest warrants for those who conspired with Mr Suthep.

He said executives of Blue Sky TV will be the first to be issued with warrants.

Mr Surapong further warned that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) could also face charges since City Hall is providing the protesters with mobile toilets and drinking water.

Wasan Meewong, the BMA governor's spokesman, yesterday challenged Capo to issue an arrest warrant for city governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, who represents the Democrat Party, saying that the BMA assisting the protesters is standard procedure and a lawful one which is offered to every protest group.

He added that Mr Suthep has not yet been found guilty of anything and merely faces accusations.

Thakerng Somsap, the director of the Blue Sky channel, the satellite TV mouthpiece of the protest movement, stressed that the station has not violated any laws as it has only reported on the anti-government protests.

He said yesterday the channel has worked to report the historic civil society movement.

If Capo pursues legal action against the channel, it must work fairly within the legal framework, he said.

The station will be ready to fight the case in the courts, he said.

Mr Thakerng also urged authorities to investigate incidences of what he claimed were interference with the channel's broadcast signal.

He said attempts had been made in the past to shut down Blue Sky.

He warned that if the channel is blacked out, its viewers will come out to join the demonstration to see the situation for themselves.

Mr Thakerng also posted messages on his Facebook page yesterday showing how various television channels around the world are reporting on the mass demonstrations. Capo's moves are deemed to have infringed the constitution, he said.

According to Mr Thakerng, key Blue Sky shareholders have not yet received returns on their investments as the station has made losses for the two years it has been in operation.

However, he said the channel's work is sure to benefit the country.

"When it became known that authorities plan to seek arrest warrants for Blue Sky staff, many supporters raised their hands to serve as the defendants," he said.

The director confirmed the channel will continue to run its programmes.

Anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee spokesman Akanat Promphan,yesterday said Blue Sky has the right to report the news.

If the government wants to probe the channel, any such investigation must be carried out justly and without any attempts to intimidate the media, he said.

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