BANGKOK, Feb 22 – Thailand’s Criminal Court on Tuesday granted the temporary release of seven detained Red Shirt leaders after their bail requests were earlier rejected several times since being detained last May on terrorism charges, but banned them from leaving the country or inciting their supporters to stir unrest.

The protest leaders have been detained since the anti-government protests were forcibly put down May 19 in a military operation and will be released today are Natthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakan, Korkaew Pikulthong, Kwanchai Praipana, Yoswaris Chuklom aka Jeng Dokchik, Nisit Sinthuprai and Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai.

The court also granted a temporary release to Bhumkitti Sukchindathong, a Red Shirt supporter earlier detained in the same charges with the group’s leaders.

MCOT