Discussed: 20 Sep 2024 at 05: 00
Despite his claims of political immunity, Pheu Thai MP Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri, who is facing imprisonment for his part in the 2004 Tak Bai murder, is now able to face legal action under the 2017 law, according to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha.
The former leader of the Fifth Army Place is named in an arrest warrant issued by Narathiwat Criminal Court next year, along with six other folks, for failing to appear for questioning about his position in the murders. In overall, seven high-ranking officers are accused of being responsible in the murder, which saw 85 people killed.
According to Mr Wan, political resistance, as outlined by Section 125 of the law, is meant to protect legislators from cruel prosecutors while performing their parliamentary duties. He noted that a section that states that courts may override political immunity if needed follows the section.
As a result, courts do n’t need to ask the House of Representatives for permission to investigate or prosecute MPs as long as it does n’t interfere with their responsibilities, he said.
For example, a judge does have the House’s consent to awaken MPs on time when they are not scheduled to carry out official duties as a lawmaker, he said.
When they fail to respond to these indictments, a judge may even issue and implement an arrest warrant, he added.
In response to a text the Courts of Justice sent to the House asking for the House’s participation in carrying out the Gen Pisal’s arrest warrant over the Tak Bai murder, Mr. Wan made the remarks.
Gen Pisal was on bored left yesterday, said Mr Wan.
Following a march in front of the Tak Bai police station in Narathiwat on October 25, 2004, the Tak Bai murder occurred.