Asia-Pacific

'Red-shirts' rally to demand release of members

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-12 14:33

A Thai anti-government "red shirt" protester places red roses on the signboard of Bangkok Remand Prison in Bangkok on Oct 12, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

BANGKOK - About 50 "red-shirt" protesters on Tuesday morning gathered in front of Bangkok Remand Prison, demanding the release of their leaders and members who have been detained since the dispersal of bloodshed protest.

Related readings:  Thousands of red-shirts in Bangkok mark coup anniversary  Thai PM: No early elections until violence ends  Calm restored in Bangkok as protesters go home  Thailand beefs up security amid attack warning

One company of Bangkok Metropolitan Police officers and about 20 traffic policemen were deployed to ensure order while 50 anti-government "red-shirts" mainly from northeastern provinces were gathering to pay visit to their detained leaders at Bangkok Remand Prison.

The "red-shirts" members laid flowers in front of the prison to express their support which is part of their symbolic activities.

Karom Phontakhlang, lawyer of the "red-shirts," said he had coordinated with the prison authorities to allow about 200 "red- shirts" from other northeastern provinces, who were on the way, to visit the inmates later in the afternoon.

On Sunday the "red-shirts" also staged rallies in Bangkok to commemorate the loss of lives of their members who died during the bloody protest and to demand the release of their 252 members who had been detained in many prisons across the country on charges of inciting chaos and breaching laws.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, or "red- shirts," staged prolonged demonstration from March to May this year in Bangkok and some other provinces, demanding the government to resolve parliament and arrange snap election. Their demonstration ended on May 19 when the government resorted to military for dispersal. Around 91 people were killed and almost 2, 000 others injured in the clashes between troops and the protesters.

Thai anti-government "red shirt" protester poses with a policeman before placing red roses outside Bangkok Remand Prison in Bangkok on Oct 12, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]