AFTER the Constitutional Court today (Apr. 3) accepted a case seeking the dissolution of Move Forward Party filed by the Election Commission on charges of attempting to “overthrow democratic system with His Majesty the King as Head of State” party leader Chaithawat Tulathon said he is ready to fight this case with all his might and urged the public to not jump to conclusions, Naewna newspaper said.
Speaking at the Parliament where a censure debate without a subsequent vote of confidence is taking place, he said the 15 days given to file a defence is a normal procedure to give the accused an opportunity to submit an explanation.
In fact, Move Forward has already made a lot of preparation before today’s acceptance of this case and now the party’s legal team and those leaders involved with this issue have to prepare the best defence, he said, with the hearing expected to take place after Songkran holidays.
He refused to give any clarification on the charges raised pointing out this is a legal matter with legal points to be contested but this does not affect the party’s work. The party’s annual caucus is taking place this Saturday which is an opportunity to talk about the case with both MPs and representatives from across the country.
Chaithawat added that he is gearing up to fight this case with all his might and urged the public not to jump to conclusions because there are still legal disputes surrounding it.
The Constitutional Court had on Jan. 31 ordered an immediate freeze to any moves by the Move Forward rank and file, especially during the party’s future electoral campaigns, toward planned amendment to the lese majeste law, better known as the draconian Section 112 of the Constitution, which may be considered as tantamount to an “abrasive” act against the monarchy.
Chaithawat said although the Constitutional Court had based its earlier verdict on Section 49 of the 2017 Constitution which forbids people from using their rights and freedom to overthrow the monarchy, it does not mean that when a case to dissolve the party based on alleged violation of Section 92 of the organic law of political parties is taken up one should jump to conclusions that there are sufficient grounds to dissolve the party.
This is because there are other legal angles and legal battles to be waged to establish the truth, he mentioned.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Move Forward leader Chaithawat Tulathon, right, and former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, left, with the Constitutional Court logo next to them. Photo: Thai Rath
Front Page: Move Forward leader Chaithawat Tulathon and Pita Limjaroenrat Photo Thai Rath
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