Medics file assault charges against police

TWO volunteer medics filed charges accusing police of attacking them at a pro-democracy protest in front of the Supreme Court in Bangkok on Feb 13.

Protesters had gathered at the court to demand the release of four pro-democracy leaders – Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, Arnon Nampa, Somyos Prueksakasemsuk and Patiwat “Bank” Saraiyam – who are charged with lese majeste and sedition.

Clashes during the protest saw 23 police officers hospitalised with non-severe injuries, mainly from bricks, small objects and so-called ping-pong bombs thrown at them.

Puraphol and Jittakorn (last names withheld), members of the DNA (Doctor and Nurse Associate) group, said they were attacked by baton-wielding riot police as they worked at the rally site.

“Crowd control police said they would give us 30 minutes to evacuate the site, but shortly after the announcement a group of police officers approached and beat me with batons until I was unconscious,” said Puraphol.

A physical examination reportedly showed injuries to his back, right shoulder, right arm and ankle.

A representative of the DNA Group who was also at the scene said riot police kicked over the motorcycle Puraphol was sitting on before beating him with batons. — The Nation/ANN

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE: The Biden administration is not inviting Russia to join the G7 group of world leaders, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, backing away from former President Donald Trump’s push for Moscow’s membership.

Any invitation for Russia to join the G7 would be made in partnership with all of the group’s members, she told reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday.

Trump last June had called the G7 “a very outdated group of countries” and said he wanted to add Russia, Australia, South Korea and India to their ranks.

“I don’t think we’re making new invitations to Russia or reiterating new invitations to Russia.

“Obviously an invitation would be done in partnership with our G7 partners,” Psaki added. — Reuters