Ex-UDD boss seeks 2010 political violence inquiry
A former co-leader of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has called upon the ruling Pheu Thai Party to form an independent committee to reinvestigate the violent handling of street protests in April 2010, which resulted in scores of deaths.
In his call, Weng Tojirakarn, the former UDD co-leader, was joined by relatives of those killed during the violence in the capital.
He said that the committee should comprise representatives of families who lost their loved ones, human rights activists and politicians from all parties.
Dr Weng yesterday led the submission of an open letter containing this and other requests to Pheu Thai, the UDD’s closest ally, through Chusak Sirinil, the party’s deputy leader.
The cause of death of all those killed in the 2010 violence must be clearly proven, he said, adding that how 62 people died has yet to be established.
Dr Weng also encouraged Pheu Thai to push to amend all laws seen by the UDD as hindering efforts to bring to justice those involved in the killing of innocent people during the turmoil and bring all military suspects to a civilian court.
Pheu Thai is also being urged to push for Thailand to make a declaration accepting the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) jurisdiction over incidents specifically connected with the now-defunct Centre for Resolution of Emergency Situations (Cres).
The Cres was established by the government on April 7, 2010, to contain the UDD-led anti-government protests.
If Pheu Thai responds positively, Dr Weng said, he believes the ruling party will win more support from all groups fighting for democracy in Thailand.
Dr Weng said Pheu Thai has a clear stance against the military using force against people and a strong determination to end such conduct.
He said the party was being encouraged to push an amnesty bill for all parties involved in past political violence.
Dr Weng said the late Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda in 1980 granted amnesty to those who killed soldiers during the communist insurgency.