Former Thai PM indicted for murder

Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Former Thai Prime Minister and leader of the opposition Democrat Party Abhisit Vejjajiva has been indicted for murder in connection with protestor deaths in 2010.

Abhisit denied the charges, and was released on bail.

The charges stem from a government crackdown on protestors three years ago, during which a 43-year old and a 14-year old were killed by soldiers' bullets. The Department of Special Investigations recommended the indictment against Abhisit and Suthep Thaugsuban, former Deputy Prime Minister and Director of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation. Suthep requested a postponement from the judge based on his leadership of the current anti-government protests.

In 2010, protestors occupied parts of Bangkok in support of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The government's response, led by Abhisit and Suthep, is allegedly responsible for the protestor deaths.

Today's protests, led by the newly indicted Abhisit and Suthep, have been on-going for several weeks as protestors seek the removal of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whom they accuse of acting on behalf of her brother, the ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

[Bangkok Post] [BBC] [UPI]