THE leader of a popular new Thai political party that ran a strong third in last month’s general election was formally charged with sedition Saturday and expressed concern that he is to be tried in a military court.

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit was greeted by hundreds of supporters chanting “Keep fighting, Thanathorn!” as he arrived at a Bangkok police station to answer a summons on complaints of sedition, assisting criminals and illegal assembly filed by a member of the country’s ruling military junta. He denied the charges, which carry a prison sentence of up to nine years.

“I’m concerned because this case is under the military court instead of the criminal court,” Thanathorn, leader of the Future Forward Party, told reporters. “That is quite unsettling.”

While he said he was treated fairly by police, he maintained his innocence. He said “many citizens in Thailand” have been charged with sedition, “including those who have not received any public attention.”

“The regime creates fear for society to silence us,” Thanathorn said. “I insist I am innocent and I am ready to stand firm in the court proceedings. I urge all Thais and the international community to call for civil rights ... for the betterment of our society.”

Thailand’s deputy police chief, Srivara Ransibrahmanakul, said that the charges against Thanathorn stem from his role in a student demonstration June 24, 2015.

Thanathorn, however, said he views the case as politically motivated because “the timing couldn’t have been more coincidental than this — just one week after elections.” (SD-Agencies)