New Delhi: The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) in its Press Release stated that General Khattiya Sawatdiphol, 59, better known as Seh Daeng has been shot at and seriously injured along with two others in the firing by the Army on the Red Shirts demonstrators today evening. The 11th Regiment of the Thai Army launched “Operation Ratchaprasong” at 6 pm Bangkok Time to disperse the Red Shirts protestors who have been camping at Ratchaprasong, Bangkok since 14 March 2010.

General Khattiya Sawatdiphol was shot at while giving an interview to the reporter of The International Herald Tribune.

“On 30th April 2010, I had personally visited the site of the demonstration. It is clear that the use of force including fire-arms will lead to murder of many civilians.” - Stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.

“It is extremely unfortunate that the talks between the government and the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) collapsed on the issue of justice i.e. as to who shall be held responsible for the killings as a result of firing by the security forces on 10th April 2010.” – further stated Mr Chakma.

On 30 April 2010, the ACHR recommended that a joint parliamentary investigation consisting of the opposition Members of Parliament and ruling party would be best way to assuage the sentiments of the victims and to provide justice.

ACHR warned that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva can be held individually responsible as provided under the Article 25(3)(a) of the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court for intentionally directed the attacks against the civilian demonstrators who are not taking part in any hostility as provided under Article 8(2)(e)(i) of the Rome Statute.

The Asian Centre for Human Rights appealed to the Prime Minister to immediately withdraw the troops, return to talks with the UDD and among others, address the issue of justice for the killings on 10th April 2010.