Thailand bomb suspect breaks down and yells: ‘I’m not an animal’

One of two ethnic Uighur Muslims from China accused of involvement in a deadly bombing at a Bangkok shrine last year broke down in front of cameras on Tuesday as he made his way into court. "I’m not an animal,“ the shaven, shackled and barefoot Adem Karadag told a crowd of waiting reporters, as two guards led him into a military court in Bangkok’s old town. "I’m human, I’m human." He and fellow suspect Yusufu Mieraili, who were in court for a review of witnesses, have denied all the charges against them. Twenty people were killed and more than 120 injured in the bombing on 17 August at the Erawan Shrine.

We’re innocent, help us, help us, where are the human rights?

Yusufu Mieraili

Lawyers said more than 250 witnesses could be called for the prosecution and defence. Karadag’s lawyer, Schoochart Kanpai, said he hoped the trial would be over by the end of 2016, but that it could drag on a year longer. Police say Karadag was caught on CCTV footage at the shrine, sitting on a bench and slipping off a bulky backpack before walking away, just before the blast. Thai police said the perpetrators were members of a network that trafficked Uighur Muslims and launched the attack in anger at Thailand’s crackdown on the trade.

Bangkok