Yellow-shirt leaders face trial over 2008 unrest

Public prosecutors Tuesday initiated trial by filing two writs charging 15 yellow-shirt leaders with criminal violations in connection with the 2008 protests.

The Criminal Court ruled to combine the two writs into one trial.

The trial against the 15 would proceed separately from another judicial review for six leaders involved in the same protests.

The prosecution decided to try organisers of the rally in two batches based their alleged individual roles in two incidents - trespassing at Government House and blockading Parliament.

In the first batch, the lead defendants include Sondhi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang. Their trial was activated on December 27.

In the second batch, Somsak Kosaisuk and Suriyasai Katasila are among the defendants.

The 15 face key charges on property destruction, unlawful public assembly and inciting people to violate the laws.

The Nation