Jatuporn Promphan, an opposition MP and key leader of the red shirts, yesterday lambasted the Office of the Attorney-General, calling it "an organisation of slaves" for its decision to indict red-shirt leaders for terrorism in connection with the recent political unrest.
A Pheu Thai Party MP, Jatuporn said he did not think people could rely on the Office of the Attorney-General, or even the courts, for justice. He also accused the relevant agencies of concocting false witnesses and proof "in a shameless way".
The red-shirt leader claimed Attorney-General Julasing Wasantasing had acted under orders from politicians.
He said the red shirts would protest at what they called "double standards" at the Office of the Attorney-General, but he did not specify when that would be. "We will decide later when to hold our protest. As long as we are still alive, we will fight on."
Unlike other red-shirt leaders who surrendered to police, Jatuporn has not been put in remand because he cited his immunity as a parliamentarian.
He said yesterday that Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga had tried to intervene in the Office of the Attorney-General. He added that Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit had filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission accusing Pirapan of malfeasance after the minister expedited the public prosecutors' indictment of the red-shirt leaders.
Meanwhile, Jatuporn also said yesterday's decision by the Supreme Court to reject fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's appeal against a court ruling to seize his Bt46-billion assets would not affect the red-shirt movement. Jatuporn said the movement was not funded by Thaksin's money but its revenue came from fund-raising events.
Public prosecutors yesterday completed their review just hours before the 84-day deadline to try 19 red shirts for terrorism.
The review is applicable to those under remand and prosecutors have yet to decide on the fate of those remaining at large.
Defendants on the terrorism charges include Jatuporn, Veera Musigapong, Natthawut Saikua, weng Tojirakarn, Kokaew Pikulthong, Kwanchai Praipana or Sarakham, Karun Hosakul, Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphuthai, Pichet "Phumikitti" Sukchindathong, Suksek Pholteu, Charan Loypoon, Amnart Inthachote, Chayut Laicharoen, Sombat Makthong and Surachai Thewarat.
The others are Jeng Dokchik aka Yoswarit Chuklom, Nisit Sinthuprai, Rachata Wongyod and Yongyuth Tuammee.
Remaining at large are Thaksin Shinawatra, Arisman Pongruangrong, Suporn Atthawong, Payap Panket, Adisorn Piengket and Wipoj Arpornrat.