Thailand coup: Suthep and associates freed on bail, face charges of insurrection

A Thai anti-coup protester holds a placard and shout slogans during a protest against coup at Victory Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, May 25, 2014. -- PHOTO: EPA
A Thai anti-coup protester holds a placard and shout slogans during a protest against coup at Victory Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, May 25, 2014. -- PHOTO: EPA

BANGKOK (AFP) - The leader of mass protests against the former Thai government, which was toppled last week by an army coup, was freed on bail by a court on Monday, his lawyer said.

Suthep Thaugsuban, who faces charges of insurrection and a separate case for the murder of rival political supporters in 2010, "is now free to go home," said lawyer Bandit Siripan, adding that he is banned from leaving the country.

Suthep had been held since the coup last Thursday by the military, along with scores of other political figures.

Another lawyer told AFP that Suthep would not have to return to military custody.

Bangkok Post reported that Suthep and another 24 core members of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) were out on bail of 100,000 baht (S$3,850) each.

They are required to report to investigators from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for additional questioning and indictment in the Criminal Court on June 28.



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