The Metropolitan Police Bureau has defended its officers amid strong opposition to actions taken against protesters in Bangkok on Saturday. Clashes between police and pro-democracy activists have left at least 33 people injured, including 13 police officers and 3 journalists. According to a Bangkok Post report, a news reporter from Channel 8 TV was injured after being struck by a rubber bullet.
Police arrested at least 20 people on various charges, from violating a ban on mass gatherings to alleged lèse-majesté offences. A spokesman for the MPB says officers’ use of riot control equipment such as rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon, and batons was in line with international guidelines.
“Violence originated from the protesters’ side and police have to defend the law and protect state assets.”
The Bangkok Post reports that criticism of the police escalated when a video…
