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BANGKOK, April 14, 2009 (AFP) - A Thai court issued arrest warrants Tuesday for exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and 12 of his supporters over protests in the kingdom, police said.
The warrant said the fugitive billionaire was sought for inciting violence after weeks of rallies that culminated in the imposition of a state of emergency as soldiers cracked down on rioting protesters.
"Thaksin and his allies were charged by the court for illegal assembly of more than 10 people, threatening acts of violence and breach of the peace, punishable with five years in jail," the warrant said.
It said he was also accused of inciting people to break the law and cause unrest, a charge punishable by seven years in prison.
Thai police earlier charged three anti-government protest leaders linked to Thaksin in connection with the violent demonstrations which ended Tuesday, one of the leaders told AFP.
Soldiers finally broke up the three-week rally after two people were killed and 123 injured on Monday in fierce street battles between armed troops and pro-Thaksin protesters.
A state of emergency, declared by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday, remains in force in Bangkok and surrounding areas.
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