Thai 'red-shirt' movement calls for release of detained leaders

Members of the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) also known as the "red-shirt" movement on Friday laid flowers at prisons in Bangkok and other cities, calling for a release of its detained leaders.

The protesters led by Jatuporn Prompan, a UDD core leader, placed red roses and placards written "Release our core leaders" and at the fence of the jail entrance door.

Through loudspeakers, they called for a release of red-shirt leaders who are detained at various prisons across the country, saying they were treated unfairly.

Five companies of metropolitan police were deployed at the prison to ensure law and order. There were no incidents.

In north province of Lampang, it is reported that some 300 UDD protesters laid red roses at the fence of the provincial prison and read out their statement calling for the release of all political prisoners before dispersing.

The UDD is planning hold a rally to mark the fourth anniversary of the 2006 coup that toppled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra on Sunday in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Source: Xinhua