Thai Red Shirt leader facing terrorism charges freed on bail, but emergency decree extended

Court grants bail to Thai Red Shirt protest leader

BANGKOK — A key anti-government protest leader was granted bail on terrorism charges Tuesday, while Thailand extended a state of emergency for another month as the government continues its crackdown on the so-called Red Shirt movement.

The Bangkok Central Criminal Court granted bail of 1 million baht ($30,700) to Jatuporn Prompan, who helped spearhead protests demanding the government call early elections. He faces several charges that he denies, including terrorism, which carries a maximum sentence of death.

The protests started peacefully in mid-March but grew confrontational as the government sought to end them, leading to street clashes. The violence and the army crackdown May 19 that ended the protests caused nearly 90 deaths, and arson fires damaged or destroyed more than 30 buildings.

The government announced Tuesday that it was extending the state of emergency declared during the crisis until July 7. The decree suspends some civil liberties — such as banning public gatherings of five or more people — and gives the military broad powers to keep order. Critics say the decree is selectively enforced and has led to widespread censorship.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the decree was needed because authorities were still monitoring the Red Shirts.

“Our priority is to stabilize the country,” Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said.

Most of the Red Shirt protest leaders have surrendered to authorities and are being held at a police camp outside the capital on charges as serious as terrorism.

Also granted bail Tuesday was Karun Hongsakul, another Red Shirt leader.

Jatuporn and Karun are both members of Parliament for the opposition Puea Thai Party, and as lawmakers had immunity from arrest until the parliamentary term ended last week.

Jatuporn headlined last week’s parliamentary no-confidence debate, during which he accused the government of using excessive violence in dealing with protesters.

A crowd of some 100 supporters cheered Jatuporn and handed him flowers as he arrived at court.