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| Southeast Asia |
| Foreigners in Thai riot probed |
| 2010-06-15 |
| [Straits Times] A THAI judge gave police on Monday three more days to investigate two foreigners detained nearly a month for allegedly violating an emergency decree during bloody, anti-government protests. Briton Jeff Savage and Australian Conor Purcell were held for their alleged roles in street clashes between Red Shirt protesters and government forces that left almost 90 dead and more than 1,800 injured during two months of demonstrations. Police requested the judge extend their detention for an additional six days, but he authorised an extension of only three more days, in keeping with the emergency decree's detention limit of 30 days. 'I object to staying in a jail cell like a criminal with rapists and murderers when I have not been accused of anything,' Purcell told the court. Purcell, 30, a former Perth resident, allegedly incited violence by making incendiary speeches on the protesters' main stage in their downtown Bangkok encampment. The protesters demanded the government call early elections. Savage, 48, was detained for allegedly inciting or participating in arson. Footage surfaced on the Internet of the Kent native purportedly stating his intention to set fire to the CentralWorld shopping mall, one of Thailand's largest, after the military broke up the protests May 19. Purcell, whose bail was previously denied, is expected to get a new bail trial. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #2 Thai (In)justice explained. |
| Posted by: gromky 2010-06-15 07:54 |
| #1 Fucking dumbasses. Getting involved in another nation's political disputes just 'for the adventure'. Purcell apparently expects the same legal rights as he enjoys back home - I suppose it hasn't dawned on him yet that a foreign country might have a different legal system. It warms my heart to know that they are enjoying the legendary hospitality of Thai prisons. |
| Posted by: gromky 2010-06-15 06:25 |