Thai police can detain 'Red Shirt Briton' for another three days

Published on Monday 14 June 2010 21:45

A THAI judge yesterday gave police three more days to investigate a Briton detained nearly a month ago for allegedly violating an emergency decree during recent violent anti-government protests.

Briton Jeff Savage, along with an Australian, Conor Purcell, were held for their alleged roles in street clashes between Red Shirt protesters and government forces that left almost 90 dead and more than 1,800 injured during two months of demonstrations.

Police requested the judge extend the pair's detention for an additional six days, but he authorised an extension of only three, in keeping with the emergency decree's detention limit of 30 days.

Mr Savage, 48, from Kent, was arrested for allegedly inciting or participating in arson.

Footage surfaced on the internet of him purportedly stating his intention to set fire to the CentralWorld shopping mall in Bangkok.

It is claimed that Mr Purcell, 30, incited violence by making incendiary speeches on the protesters' main stage in their downtown Bangkok encampment.

The protesters were demanding the government call early elections.

As the two men were led into Bangkok's Pathumwan Municipal Court barefooted, manacled in leg irons, and clad in prison-issue orange shorts and shirts, both appeared calm.

In previous hearings, Mr Savage said he had struggled with guards, alleged he was beaten in prison and stated he was illegally detained.

Mr Purcell told the court: "I object to staying in a jail cell like a criminal with rapists and murderers when I have not been accused of anything,"

Afterwards he told reporters he was optimistic. "It's justified that I get bail," he said.

Mr Purcell's lawyer, Siriporn Muangsrinoon, said: "The court has been merciful."