Thousands Mark Anniversary of Thai Red Shirt Crackdown

Posted May 19th, 2012 at 10:30 am (UTC-5)
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Tens of thousands of protesters have gathered in Thailand's capital Bangkok to mark the second anniversary of deadly clashes between the Thai military and so-called Red Shirt protesters.

In 2010, more than 90 people were killed and 2,000 wounded when soldiers moved in to quash the weeks-long anti-government demonstration by mostly poor, rural protesters wearing red shirts.

Among those protesting Saturday was the sister of Italian journalist Fabio Polenghi, who was killed during the crackdown.

“Every time it's emotional. It's an emotional moment.”

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was to speak to protesters via video link later Saturday. He fled into exile after being ousted by a 2006 military coup, and was convicted of corruption in absentia.

Many of the 2010 protesters were Mr. Thaksin's supporters.

The Red Shirts have called on the new government, led by Mr. Thaksin's sister Yingluck, to prosecute the soldiers and officials responsible for causing the deaths and injuries.