Prison Term For Election Saboteurs, CAPO Warns

Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban marching in Bangkok with fellow anti-government demonstrators, 19 December 2013

(19 December) The spokesman of the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) has warned that anyone found guilty of disrupting the upcoming general election would face jail sentence.

Anti-government protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) have vowed to prevent the election from taking place by all available means.
 
The protesters demand that an unelected People′s Council be installed to implement political reforms deemed necessary by the PCAD leaders first before any general election is allowed to be held. 
 
But Pol.Maj.Gen. Piya Uthayo, spokesman of the CAPO, said in a press conference that any activity aimed at disrupting the poll is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 baht according to the laws. 
 
Individuals who intentionally sabotaged the election would also be stripped of their voting rights for 5 years, Pol.Maj.Gen. Piya said.
 
The spokesman added that the police have already issued 19 arrest warrants against anti-government protesters who have committed illegal activities during the campaign to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
 
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with these crimes, Pol.Maj.Gen. Piya said, while one more has surrendered to the police in Prachuab Kiri Khan province.
 
He also told reporters that the police are ready to accommodate the upcoming major demonstration ordered by PCAD leaders on 22 December. Pol.Maj.Gen. Piya said the police are working closely with 27 foreign embassies located in the district where the demonstrations are expected to occur. 
 
 

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