THAILAND: Court acquits two ex-PMs over protester deaths in 2008

Two former Thai prime ministers have been cleared of abuse of power in a case involving an anti-government protest in 2008 that turned deadly. Thailand’s highest court in Bangkok on Wednesday acquitted Somchai Wongsawat, his then deputy Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and two former police officials. They had been accused of authorising the police to use force […]

Two former Thai prime ministers have been cleared of abuse of power in a case involving an anti-government protest in 2008 that turned deadly.

Thailand’s highest court in Bangkok on Wednesday acquitted Somchai Wongsawat, his then deputy Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and two former police officials.

They had been accused of authorising the police to use force against protesters who had blockaded the National Assembly building. A pitched battle ensued, injuring several hundred people and causing two deaths.

A judge said the court could not conclude that the injuries protesters sustained were from police weapons and grenades.