Court drops charges against gas pipeline protesters

The Appeal Court upheld the lower court's ruling on grounds that the defendants' gathering on the day was peaceful, open and unarmed and should be protected by Article 44 of the 1997 Constitution, which was in effect at the time.

The 19 protesters faced lawsuits on four charges: creating unrest in a public place; injuring onduty officials; destroying public property; and obstructing officials following a clash 400 metres from the hotel where the then prime minister was to attend a Cabinet meeting.

The lower court on December 30, 2004 dismissed the lawsuit, but public prosecutors appealed the case to the Appeal Court Region 9, which ruled yesterday.

The 19 protesters went to hear the verdict, along with some 50 supporters.