Thailand: Anti-gov´t leaders temporarily released

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-25-2009 13:01

Thailand's Criminal Court has temporarily released three core leaders of the anti-government group, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, or UDD.

Weng Tojirakan, one of several leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), is led away from Bangkok, Thailand, criminal court Thursday, April 16, 2009,  following a hearing. Thai authorities have issued a total  of 13 arrest warrants for leaders of the anti-government  demonstrations which sparked violence recently.(AP Photo/ The Nation)

The three leaders were released on Friday afternoon. Each had to post a bond of about 14,000 US dollars, and are banned from going abroad and appearing at public rallies. The three men were arrested 10 days ago after they called a halt to the mass rally at Government House. They say the decision was made to protect the lives of the red-shirted protesters, as the army was considering a crack down.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he's not worried about a planned new anti-government rally on Saturday in central Bangkok. He says he does not view it as a challenge to the state power. But he warned protesters to abide by the law to avoid further dividing society.

Police in Bangkok says more than 120 road checkpoints were set up in the city to help the government keep security in the capital following the lift of the state of emergency.

Editor:Xiong Qu