Shouting Briton in court over Thai riots
A Briton shouted abuse about Thailand’s prime minister when he appeared in court today charged over recent anti-government riots.
Kent-born Jeff Savage and Australian Conor Purcell, who joined Thailand’s anti-government protests, were charged today with inciting violence and committing other crimes that could lead to two years in prison.
Both men denied the charges, which allege they violated an emergency decree imposed during the two-month protests.
Street clashes between so-called Red-Shirt protesters and Thai government forces killed almost 90 people and injured more than 1,400 before they were ended last month.
Savage, 48, screamed abusive comments about Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as he was led past reporters, calling him “a murderer” and insulting Abhisit’s wife.
Savage, who has lived on and off in Thailand for nine years, is accused of inciting or participating in arson.
Video footage surfaced on the internet of Savage purportedly stating his intention to set fire to Bangkok’s CentralWorld shopping mall, one of Thailand’s largest, after the military broke up the protests on May 19.
Later in the day, the shopping mall was devastated by a fire.
Purcell, 30, is accused of inciting violence by making incendiary speeches on the main stage at the protesters’ encampment in central Bangkok.
“I’m confident I can beat the charges,” Purcell said to reporters.
Both have been detained for nearly a month. The court set the next hearing for July 28, when the men are scheduled to face cross-examination.
