Thai 'Red Shirt' protest leaders go on trial
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Red shirt protesters hold pictures of some of those killed during crackdowns on various anti-government rallies, outside the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Bangkok on Dec 13, 2012. A terrorism trial against Thai leaders of the 2010 "Red Shirt" protests began on Friday, a day after the nation's former premier was charged over his role in the deadly unrest. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
BANGKOK (AFP) - A terrorism trial against Thai leaders of the 2010 "Red Shirt" protests began on Friday, a day after the nation's former premier was charged over his role in the deadly unrest.
The 24 accused, who include five current lawmakers, could in theory face the death penalty in the case, which was delayed again on Thursday because of the absence of key witnesses.
All but one defendant was present at Bangkok Criminal Court on Friday, according to an AFP reporter at the court.
About 90 people were killed and nearly 1,900 were wounded in a series of street clashes between demonstrators and security forces, which culminated in a bloody military crackdown in May 2010. Two foreign journalists were among those killed.
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