Chinese Uygur claims he was tortured into confessing role in Bangkok bomb
A Chinese ethnic Uygur man arrested in Thailand over a bombing that killed 20 people in Bangkok last year denied on Monday charges of murder or involvement in the attack, retracting an earlier confession his lawyer said he was tortured into making.
Adem Karadag, also known as Bilal Mohammed, is due to appear at a military court on Tuesday, along with a second suspect, Yusufu Mieraili, to formally hear the charges. Police said both men had confessed to having a role in the August 17 explosion. Six Chinese visitors were among the 20 killed.
At the time he was tortured and under pressure. That is why he confessed to the charges against him
A lawyer for Karadag, said his client was coerced into confessing that he took part in the attack. Most of the victims were foreign tourists, raising concerns that the country’s lucrative tourist industry could suffer.
“At the time he was tortured and under pressure. That is why he confessed to the charges against him,” lawyer Schoochart Kanpai said after visiting Karadag in detention.
“He still maintains he has no involvement in this. The only charge he accepts is illegal entry.”
