Investigation and Chase

[Bossza007]

A local police station in Mueang Phichit, Thailand​

Last Tuesday, 12th September 2006, an unknown group conducted a terrorist attack at Nai Mueang, the capital city of the Phichit Provincial Federation. A week had passed since that tragic day, no clue had yet led to anything substantial. Today, public prosecutor Jiroj Jiraworapong visited a local station in charge of the investigation. He aimed to discuss the case with his detective partner, Bhakdi Kajornsakkosol. Fortunately, Bhakdi hinted at a crucial piece of evidence his subordinate found during the crime scene re-examination. The police station was modern and recently renovated, and modern technology became available to local law enforcement, thanks to the wise management of the democratic provincial coordinating body. Jiroj entered the criminal affairs department and met with his detective partner.

Jiroj: “Comrade detective, it is a pleasure to meet you again.” The public prosecutor spoke with a quiet conviction, his face always serious. “I understand that your team has gathered a new piece of evidence that might be decisive. Under the authority of the People’s Prosecutor’s Offices, I request cooperation from your department to further refine my case against any potential suspect we may have.” The man shot an expectant gaze at his partner.

Bhakdi: “Ah, comrade prosecutor! A pleasure indeed, I have been expecting you.” The detective answered with a lighthearted tone. “You see, the bombing was quite devastating, and the forensic team met a difficult task. Fortunately, one of the comrades applied Fluorescein extensively on the burned wall and discovered an intentionally large blood stain.” The detective’s face suddenly turned cold. “As you know, Fluorescein is better than luminol when applied to burnt surfaces due to its better preservation of DNA. Lab tests discovered an unknown mixing of DNA profiles. However… the message read The Golden Hand.” His words invited knowing glances from around the room.

Jiroj: “I see.” He remarked plainly and crossed his arms, closing his eyes momentarily. “This discovery is a major cause of concern. Clever work, comrade detective. Please forward my appreciation to the forensic team, they have outdone themselves.” He received the evidence file from the detective and read it. “The reaction is strong. I suppose the work is intentional, and the blood was applied after the bombing. Your department is monitoring three survivors from the incident, correct? Only they could have delivered such a message. The question is which of them?” He said thoughtfully.

Bhakdi: “No worries, comrade prosecutor. We have detained them on suspicion. Our men are questioning them with the presence of public defenders.” The detective reported and blinked. “I advise you to clear two names from suspicion, comrade prosecutor. We guess that only one of them could have done it. Moreover, it is better to face one public defender at a time. Here are the suspect profiles.” The detective handed over the case file. Inside, it read: “Mrs. Neerasorn Haoharn, democratically elected floor manager at the distribution center; Ms. Yapa Kanjanaarkom, a local public servant redeeming her labor token for groceries; Mr. Nannayot Jirawanitch, the distribution center staff.”

Jiroj: “Thank you, comrade detective. This case file is pivotal to the logical deduction identifying the prime suspect.” The public prosecutor responded confidently. “Mrs. Neerasorn was inside the storage room during the bombing, based on her camera’s photos, while Ms. Yapa is recovering at the local hospital. I am certain that Mr. Nannayot’s generic alibi of forgetting his surrounding information due to shock is unreliable. The only place unaffected by the bombing was the storage room, and Mrs. Neerasorn confirmed no one was inside. I would like to speak with Mr. Nannayot’s public defender. I suppose our new prime suspect is in his holding cell?”

Bhakdi: “You might be onto something, comrade prosecutor.” The detective remarked with an approving chuckle. “Mr. Nannayot is in his holding. The comfort these suspects receive is commendable. Mrs. Neerasorn even gets to keep her laptop to continue working. I wish our elected department’s head were less strict about mobile phone usage during work hours.” He scratched his head and realized Jiroj was glaring. “Oh, right, I digressed, comrade prosecutor. Follow this way, we have truth to uncover.” He laughed and walked outside the department.

Prosecutor Jiroj and Detective Bhakdi left the criminal affairs department and approached the detention area holding suspects of ongoing cases. Law enforcement workers moved purposefully while some enjoyed leisure activities with their comrades. The duo passed through the screening process and entered the detention area. A feminine figure, tall and slim, blocked their path. Her long hair matched perfectly with her navy-blue suit. It was the renowned public defender, Ms. Suthida Opaspong. She was young yet highly acclaimed at 26 years old.

Suthida: “Hold it, comrade prosecutor and comrade detective. I am Suthida Opaspong, public attorney-at-law.” She announced with an authoritative gaze. “Unfortunately, my client does not wish to engage in any discussion with the law enforcement. He believes that the criminal affairs department is committed to indirectly tricking him into self-incrimination. I am also rejecting any request to discuss my client with me on his behalf. The local Public Law Office, following my notification, has a legitimate concern that certain officers from the criminal affairs department have treated my client mentally as if they are already a convicted criminal by presenting evidence not yet accepted into the court of justice according to the recorded proceeding.” She paused and raised her hand, pointing toward Jiroj. “I demand that this public prosecutor take responsibility for the violation of my client, who is presumed innocent under section 10 of our supreme confederal agreement!”

Jiroj: “W—What?!” He unconsciously stepped backward in shock, realizing that the detective also reacted the same. “Comrade Bhakdi, what is with your concurrent reaction?! I thought you were leading this case’s investigation effort on the executive side. How come you are now aware of such a blatant oversight in due process?” The prosecutor spoke in an unstable tone; he had no objection to the public defender.

Bhakdi: “I—I don’t know, comrade! That is a fact! Normally, we always present new evidence to the district court to record that we intend to use it for further investigation and interrogation.” He looked around nervously, mostly because of the public defender’s glare. “That should not have happened. The officers in question must be held accountable!”

Suthida: “Indeed, comrade detective. The two officers in question must be held accountable for violating my client’s hard-won civil liberty, the revolution brought about as a universal human right.” She remarked expectantly. “A public advocate will soon arrive with his assistant lawyer to formally file a grievance against such individuals involved in the interrogation. I expected better procedural correctness from my counterparts in the People’s Prosecutor’s Offices and local community police forces. Perhaps, I was too optimistic and principled.” She crossed her arms and nodded impatiently. “I have heard that the provincial Attorney General’s Office has taken an interest in this case. Of course, it is predictable. A terrorist attack against a local distribution center is highly probable to be a politically motivated act. It is the local manifestation of our socialist economy and LTE system. If you don’t mind, I have unfinished business with my client and we need more time to talk. Truth, after all, is my duty to protect regardless of the final verdict.”

The public defender turned back and approached the prime suspect’s holding cell. Jiroj and Bhakdi had no choice but to comply, given the oversight made by the criminal affairs department. They also learned from the female attorney-at-law that the provincial attorney general is interested in this case. This revelation introduced another complexity.​

 

[Bossza007]

13:30, Wednesday, 20th September 2006​

The building of Mueang Phichit District Courts​

A day passed since Jiroj and Bhakdi’s confrontation with public defender Suthida. The two officers whom she accused of violating Section 10 of the Constitution were tried in the District Court of Administration. The judge sentenced them to perform community service for three months before they would be allowed to reclaim their former occupations through qualification tests. Like all buildings constructed in post-revolutionary Thailand, modernist architecture blended seamlessly with modern technology. Jiroj and Bhakdi were familiar with this building, as most district courts in Thailand housed both justice and administration courts. They were walking through the ground floor’s lobby before a provincial official with a distinctive badge stopped them. He was Pongsakorn Chaijaroen, Phichit Provincial Attorney General.

Pongsakorn: “Comrade Public Prosecutor Jiroj.” He greeted formally with the standardized Wai. “I wish today’s case were illuminating. It is not often that prosecutors would attend a court proceeding to watch a fellow prosecutor’s performance. You appear to take this case personally. Fortunately, justice was served to those who violated our constitutional principles, don’t you agree?”

Jiroj: “Of course, comrade Pongsakorn. Socialist jurisprudence demands the highest ethical standard for its servants. The convicted party’s oversight happened in a case that Detective Bhakdi and I are leading. The Court of Administration considered this case to be a criminal offense between my prime suspect, the victim, and the local law enforcement organization, the defendant. Comrade Bhakdi was also a witness in today’s trial. As his partner, I must come to ensure our team’s integrity. The public defender for this case also performed perfectly as expected. Our offices’ history of cooperation demands joint pursuits of truth.” He said professionally.

Pongsakorn: “Excellent. You are meticulous as always, comrade prosecutor. However, your investigation must end now, and I want comrade detective to transfer his partnership to me.” He remarked objectively.

Bhakdi: “Are you seriously joking in the court of law, comrade?! What authority does the Attorney General have in our investigation? Of course, I reject it. We are making considerable progress, and the community police forces don’t need to collaborate with the provincial government’s legal advisory office. This case is a matter of a local law enforcement issue. The provincial federation has no stake in this matter, and the bombed distribution center was operated by the District Administration Organization.”

Pongsakorn: “As expect. Comrade Jiroj and comrade Bhakdi are only partially informed of the situation regarding The Golden Hand.” He snickered. “Unfortunately, the provincial government has been informed of intelligence regarding such an organization. According to the International Security Operation Command, a confederal-level domestic intelligence agency, The Golden Hand threatened terrorist attacks against the Kingdom of Myanmar. Following our country’s neighbor's request for cooperation, the Provincial Assembly found out that the IP address of the sender resides just a few blocks away from this building.” He smiled and continued. “The bombing was a politically motivated crime aimed at the Socialist Republic of Thailand’s constitutional foundations, not merely a distribution center.”

Suthida: “Objection!” The public defender’s shout reverberated through the lobby, momentarily shocking the public prosecutor and his detective partner. The woman glared directly at the attorney general. “Excuse my rudeness, comrades. Attorney General Pongsakorn, I am Suthida Opaspong, attorney-at-law representing Nannayot Jirawanitch, a suspected terrorist.” She paused to appraise her potential legal opponent. “The Public Law Office does not concern itself with a jurisdictional dispute between your organizations. However, as Mr. Nannayot’s public defender, I have the same investigative prerogative as the public prosecutor and his detective partner. I suggest that you hand over new pieces of evidence to my office, comrade Attorney General. We public defenders are also this province’s public servants, committed to providing legal aid as part of Universal Basic Services. It would be shameful if our provincial head coordinator for justice in the Provincial Assembly is made aware that a legal official of the governor’s government is not very cooperative with servants of the UBS.”

Pongsakorn: “Of course, comrade public defender. I will ensure that all evidence is transferred to your office. I might have a legitimate chance at challenging local law enforcement and PPO’s jurisdiction, but you are the most democratically empowered side. Please accept my sincerest apology for such a belated notification, comrade Suthida. If you will be so kind, I’d love you to discuss with the public prosecutor and the detective about our jurisdictional dispute. Doesn’t a lawyer always follow you around?”

A new feminine figure, lean and short, emerged from Suthida’s shadow. She was adjusting her glasses as her eyes focused on her tablet. She flashed a friendly smile and offered a standardized Wai politely. Suthida introduced her as Laksika Pleumpiti, a lawyer and her legal assistant and investigation partner. Laksika held an intellectual aura that blended seamlessly with her social demeanor.

Laksika: “Oh, yes, you must be talking about me!” She proclaimed enthusiastically. “A pleasure to meet comrades in my legal profession, although the air is unusually warm around this group of people. Does any of you need a cup of cold water? All local distribution centers have offered cold water since 2003, given that you come with your container.” She remarked casually. “Anyway, what are we talking about again?” Laksika looked at Suthida with an innocuous face before the public defender gestured toward the public prosecutor. Bhakdi appeared to be captivated by her personality.

Jiroj: “Y-Yes, it is our delight that a lawyer is present.” The public prosecutor said, still reeling from his shock at the legal professional’s unseriousness. “The provincial Attorney General’s Office is asserting its jurisdiction to take over my case, represented by the People’s Prosecutor’s Office. The state prosecutor argued that intelligence from the Internal Security Operations Command has elevated this beyond a mere local law enforcement issue. Of course, I disagree with his assessment. The confederal, or even provincial, apparatus has no right to interfere in our investigation. Customarily, the AGO can only take over an already assigned case by seeking a voluntary transfer of authority from both PPO and the local community police forces. I don’t see any reason why I need to comply, unless the Attorney General wants to challenge my reasoning.” He delivered assertively.

Pongsakorn: “I have everything in my right to challenge your jurisdiction, comrade public prosecutor. Unlike other provincial federations, Phichit has never been attacked by this particular capitalist counter-revolutionary group. This resulted in our provincial administration organization never officially designating The Golden Hand as a provincial terrorist organization. However, the Ministry of Interior, a confederal coordinating body controlling ISOC, designates such vicious and corrupted forces as a domestic terrorist organization. As you can see, our provincial federation does not recognize The Golden Hand as a legitimate threat, but the confederal government does. Now that you allow me to investigate and take charge, we can surely prove the connection between our intelligence and your prime suspect. I request the comrade lawyer’s rigorous advice.”

Laksika: “Wow, you two are good at rhetorical devices.” She suddenly laughed, causing the public prosecutor and the Attorney General to stumble backward. “Sorry for my impoliteness, but why are everyone who is not a lawyer so serious in their speaking? I believe there is a Japanese game series called Ace Attorney, and the next release, Apollo Justice, will come out next year. Have you two been engrossed in bourgeois entertainment? That would, unfortunately, dilute your revolutionary purity. What a revelation!” She appeared satisfactory. Bhakdi's face turned red, he suddenly got shy. Meanwhile, Suthida merely giggled and nudged her assistant.

Suthida: “Now, Laksika, some comrades just don’t appreciate what our socialist system could offer. You don’t need to mind their speaking manners. It is well within their rights, regardless of your doubts. Comrade Attorney General already seeks your legal counsel. A state official has never requested it from you, haven’t they? This opportunity is noteworthy for your career record. Come on, I trust in you.” She said joyfully.

Laksika: “Of course, that would be my pleasure, comrade Suthida. Fantasizing about the state having to request my legal counsel always makes me ejaculate prematurely. Imagine the gradual hollowing out of state functions in real-time! This is pure Socialist Participatory Democracy in action.” She dramatically dropped herself before standing up. “Anyway, where were we? Oh, yes, the jurisdictional relationship between the PPO and the AGO. I don’t care about either side’s reasoning. Both comrade public prosecutor and comrade Attorney General act as if they had never gone to law school. Perhaps the 1998 proletarian revolution was too late for their age, no?” She mindlessly tapped her cheeks.

Laksika: “Regardless, there is no way the AGO could supersede the local authority of the community police force. Comrade Bhakdi’s precinct, like every other, is determined by the local community assemblies that voluntarily drew the policing lines. Is the name not clear? They are ‘community’ police forces, not some law enforcement that the state, either provincial or confederal, can direct. Comrade Laksika has faced state prosecutors three times in the past. All won. However, the fact remains that the local community police forces and the PPO voluntarily transferred their authority to the AGO in all cases due to political alignment. Unfortunately, the Libertarian Socialist Front has been gaining significant popularity in local polls lately. It understands where the sentiment to protect your autonomy comes from, if it does not originate from the supreme confederal agreement. As such, I advise that the provincial Attorney General’s Office comply with local authorities to ensure a swift, comprehensive, and fair investigation. Understood?”

Pongsakorn and Jiroj politely nodded and offered her a thankful Wai. Although they were antagonistic toward one another, both sides respected the rule of law, especially in the legal expert’s presence. Pongsakorn said briefly, “My office is grateful for your detailed and digestible clarification, comrade lawyer. I might have indeed overstepped my authority. Please allow me to borrow your assessment to advise the governor’s government. Thank you.” He then left the courthouse. Meanwhile, Jiroj remarked softly. “I apologize if my reasoning appeared to not be up-to-date with our current jurisprudence. I was already a prosecutor when the revolution arrived at its historic moment, and I took no offense. Thank you.”​

 

[Bossza007]

22:15, Wednesday, 20th September 2006​

An apartment room inside a public housing complex, suspected to be utilized a TGH member​

Hours passed since the courthouse confrontation. The law enforcement had since secured judicial oversight to search the building located by the IP address provided by the Internal Security Operations Command. Unfortunately, public prosecutor Jiroj decided to return to his workplace and attended a local community assembly meeting afterward. Initially, Laksika was also present, but she left after her shift ended to enjoy her leisure activities. Detective Bhakdi was overseeing the investigation alongside volunteer officers and forensic experts while public defender Suthida conducted her separate investigation. She approached the detective, who was blushing at her presence, yet Suthida ignored the fact.

Suthida: “Comrade Detective, it appears that we have searched every corner of this apartment room.” She remarked and picked up a new evidence file. “As expected, the blood stain at the bombed distribution center came from stolen and illegally imported blood packs. Lab results show clear parity between the DNA found at the crime scene and the DNA of the blood inside their containers here. Has your team cracked into that personal computer yet?”

Bhakdi: “Oh, yes, comrade Suthi—” His speech was cut short by an objection.

Suthida: “I would prefer you to demonstrate professionalism, especially toward personnel from another agency. Please address me as a public defender.” She crossed her arms and glared expectantly.”

Bhakdi: “Y—Yes, comrade public defender. Please accept my apology. I did not intend to cross any boundaries.” He said remorsefully after getting rejected. “Anyway, the personal computer was initially locked by the user-inputted password, so it was difficult to examine. My comrade returned to the courthouse to request a judicial order for cooperation with the cooperative that designed the hardware. Fortunately, they managed to crack the code using insider knowledge from their R&D department. Here is the document that the forensic team just finished writing.” He handed over a piece of paper to the public defender.

Suthida: “Thank you, comrade detective.” She took the file and read it before putting it inside the evidence folder. “So, the person who occupied this apartment used an encrypted messaging app that The Golden Hand developed themselves. I never took a counter-revolutionary movement to be sophisticated, given their backward agendas and beliefs.” She remarked almost mindlessly as her hand naturally picked up another document. “Mr. Pitipoom Sabsila, a former executive in a regional construction company. Good riddance that the workers took back their surplus values extracted by him.” She looked at Bhakdi and said, “Comrade detective, I believe the law enforcement has set up perimeters around this public housing complex, yes?”

Bhakdi explained security measures to Suthida as other residents inside the apartment building began turning off their lights. A faint sound of a car parked in the ground lot travelled through the chill night. The Moon was not illuminating that day, it was about to complete its cycle. A hushed argument reverberated from the room’s entrance before a police officer let out a defeated groan. Bhakdi and Suthida stopped discussing as the footsteps became louder, turning simultaneously toward the hallway. A tall and plainly dressed man appeared, a brooch on his shirt conveyed a particular tale within the Thai security forces. It was Boriban Pikulthep, an ISOC operative, who approached them with a neutral smile.

Boriban: “I guess we can agree that the owner of this room is very irresponsible, can’t we? Seriously, the revolution happened eight years ago, and you still force yourself not to adapt! He doesn’t have any wage-slaver to clean his house, does he?” The man laughed and opened his arms. “What are your two names? Let’s hug to get to know each other, shall we?” Suthida politely rejected, while Bhakdi confusedly embraced the man. “Comrade detective. If you were unsure, you could have communicated your boundary. You could do well to learn a few things about bodily autonomy from the comrade public defender there. I’ve heard she’s a hotshot professional.” He smiled at her.

Suthida: “Thank you for your compliment, comrade, but I merely perform my duty as a public servant of this nation.” She replied objectively and appraised the man in front of her. “An ISOC operative, I see. What is the confederal apparatus doing here in an investigation under our jurisdiction? I expect you to have a well-reasoned justification.”

Boriban: “Apologize, comrade public defender. It is quite late, and I didn’t intend to cause any more trouble. Here is a formal request by the Ministry of Interior that I serve as a confederal observer to keep the confederal government informed of local issues involving counter-revolutionary forces. If the detective and you could sign it, I will digitize it immediately. The public prosecutor’s presence is not needed as he is part of the judiciary.” He handed over the document.

Bhakdi: “Nothing is wrong with the request from my reading. I saw a confederal publication report on this case while I was scrolling through SahaiLink. I don’t object that the confederal government should be kept informed.” He gestured the document toward Suthida before realizing that she had already signed it. “W—what? When did you even read and sign it, comrade public defender? Do you appear to have a supernatural speed?!” He was genuinely scared and almost dropped the document. He eventually signed and handed it back to the ISOC operative.

Suthida: “The party I voted for is in the highest coordinating offices, and I believe in their judgment. Nothing much needed to be scrutinized, assuming they adhere to their stated ideals like normal.” She organized several case folders and gave them to Bhakdi. “Comrade detective, I suggest you give this to the precinct and have them digitize it. We need to share it with our ISOC operative.” She said before her smartphone rang with an incoming call.

It was Laksika’s number, so Suthida immediately answered it. However, she was met with silence, making her turn up the volume. She and others could hear a breathing sound and someone struggling. “Laksika, my dear comrade, are you okay?” She asked with concern. However, only a male snicker responded.

???: “Ha, ha, ha. Greetings, my fellow… comrades. You wouldn’t believe who I met on my way out of this city.” The man forcefully removed a tape covering a woman’s mouth, prompting her to scream for help. “Suthida, help me! I—I am kidnapped!” It was Laksika’s desperate voice. “This man… this bourgeois, he is wicked! H—He raped and tortured me! Help! I’m at —.” A forceful kick could be heard. “That’s enough, young lady.”

Suthida: “What the actual fuck you are doing to Laksika?! She’s just finished university, you moron!” Before she could continue cursing, the ISOC operative took her phone.

Boriban: “Please excuse my rudeness, comrade public defender. You have my sincere sympathy.” He addressed before speaking on the phone. “This is Boriban Pikulthep, a field agent of the Internal Security Operation Command. You have picked the wrong enemy, buddy. My men down the building, inside our van, are monitoring all internet traffic through the NSST 1.5 Architecture. You should have called through a real number, not SahaiLink’s messaging service. Don’t move, I warn you, okay? It would be unfortunate if you don’t get to enjoy your luxury again, wouldn’t it?” He laughed and hung up the phone.

Boriban: “Comrade public defender, here’s your phone. Thank you very much.” He handed the device over and turned to the detective. “Comrade detective, you know what to do. Gather up your men, communicate with the patrols, and follow me downstairs. We have a counter-revolutionary to catch, haven’t we? And, yes, public defender, you may follow if you like. It is your prerogative, after all. We can’t let the truth be diluted.”

The ISOC agent walked out of the room as Bhakdi responded at the suggestion dutifully, his mouth already talking with the radio. Meanwhile, Suthida quickly ran out of the room, following Boriban. Soon, the Mueang Phichit Police Department would deploy its full force to solve the new abduction case and the emergency reported by the detective. The case, initially, as a mere bombing incident, appeared nowhere near its end.​

 

[Bossza007]

10:30 - 13:30, Thursday 21th September 2006​

A courtroom inside the Mueang Phichit District Court of Justice​

The fateful day arrived as representatives of community assemblies across the Phichit provincial federation gathered at the Mueang Phichit District Court of Justice to observe the proceedings. ISOC operative Boriban was present, standing as the only confederal government official inside the courthouse. Public defender Suthida entered the courtroom alongside her legal assistant Laksika, who carried multiple folders on her tablet. Public prosecutor Jiroj was already seated, and his table featured an equally large number of documents. Eventually, a democratically elected judge, named Pongpon Siritada, entered the courtroom and slammed his gavel, the room instantly filled with public observers became quiet.

Judge Pongpon: “Thank you for the order. The court is now in session for the trial of Mr. Nannayot Jirawanitch for the alleged bombing of a local distribution center. I would like to hear the readiness and opening statements from both sides, starting from the prosecutor and then the defense. Thank you.” He stated calmly and objectively.

Prosecutor Jiroj: “The prosecution is ready, Your Honor.” He bowed respectfully. “The People’s Prosecutor’s Offices have conducted investigations and gathered evidence to present a criminal charge against Mr. Nannayot Jirawanitch on behalf of the Mueang Phichit Police Department. The prosecution will argue that the defendant has committed a counter-revolutionary act per the definition of such action per section 6 (1) of the Socialist Resilience and Reform Act, B.E. 2549. Specifically, the defendant’s conduct matches the definition as stipulated in section 6 (1) (a), which criminalizes acts of violence or sabotage that demonstrably aim to destabilize the socialist state or disrupt essential public services, causing significant harm to persons or property. The prosecution believes it has decisive evidence and well-reasoned justification to convict the defendant, Your Honor. That is my opening statement. Thank you.” He finished and looked at his legal opponent.

Public Defender Suthida: “The defense is always ready to protect the truth, Comrade Judge.” Unlike her legal opposition, she didn’t bow or show any deference. “I see that you have followed my recommendation to change your haircut. That style suits you as I expected.” She remarked casually, and the judge nodded proudly like a child. “The Public Law Offices recognize the People’s Prosecutor’s Offices’ charge against the defendant, and I commend the judiciary and local law enforcement for their cooperation. However, we contest that the prosecution’s charge is based on circumstantial evidence and flawed logical deduction, assuming the defendant holds the worst intention without acknowledging his inherent human dignity. The defense is committed to proving Mr. Nannayot’s innocence and ensuring that the real culprit will face the socialist justice of our confederation. That is all I want to say. Thank you.”

Judge Pongpon: “Excellent. I believe the prosecution will supplement our trial with the first suspect, as communicated earlier during the preparation. I call Mr. Bhakdi Kajornsakkosol, a detective in charge of the investigation, to testify to the court regarding the details of the police’s findings.” He slammed his gavel, and the bailiff brought the first witness to the stand.

Detective Bhakdi: “It is my honor to be here, Your Honor. I will present our findings to this court.” He smiled at Laksika, who gave him an annoyed look. “On 12 September, several bombs were detonated from inside the local distribution center around two in the afternoon. Only three people survived. One of them, a local public servant, is still in the hospital, but she can provide a digital testimony if required. The elected floor manager was safe from the blast as the storage room was well-protected. Fortunately, she took photos of the stockpile just a minute before the bombing. She can't commit any crime. Lastly, the defendant has no alibi. He said that the blast gave him short-term amnesia, yet our psychologist couldn’t control such a condition’s existence. This is the case’s basis, Your Honor.” Bhakdi ended his testimony by scratching his head playfully.

Judge Pongpon: “The account appears quite solid. The defense may now begin their cross-examination.” He slammed his gavel.

Public Defender Suthida: “Thank you, Comrade Judge.” She glared at the detective and crossed her arms. “If you remember the trial yesterday, the verdict had already cast a suspicion on your testimony. Comrade Judge must remember it, as he was the one who convicted two police officers on the charge of violating section 10 of our supreme confederal agreement. How can we be sure that the defendant’s written alibi wasn’t acquired through coercion?”

Prosecutor Jiroj: “Objection! Your Honor, the defense was correct that two officers under the prosecution and the law enforcement team were convicted in this courtroom merely a day ago. However, yesterday's trial also brought a crucial clarification. The two former police officers violated due process by using unsubmitted evidence to press the defendant for information during the visually recorded interrogation. However, that was the only instance of violation, and the transcript shows us that such an interrogation yields no new clues important enough to this court’s consideration. The defendant remains the only one who could have conducted the bombing and left a ‘calling card’ of blood stain on the burned wall,” He asserted.

Public Defender Suthida: “The defense contests the prosecution’s argument and demands that it be overruled. Fortunately, the bombed detention center’s security surveillance system utilized a central service provided by the District Administrative Organization. We had looked into the CCTV cameras’ cloud storage and found that the defendant did not bring anything suspicious to his workplace for the last month, as our system could trace back. Lab results of the blood stain on the wall also matched the illegally imported and stolen blood packs found in a public housing complex of a certain person, which the prosecution and the witness have yet to mention. I request Comrade Judge’s due consideration and his opinion on this matter. We cannot render a verdict without comprehensively exploring all possibilities and facts of the criminal case.” She said with a polite tone of argumentative superiority.

Judge Pongpon: “Objection overruled. I order that the witness present an account of what the defense means regarding the public housing complex and illegal blood packs of a certain person. Who is this person and their connection to this case? The witness must establish this fact, as the evidence file mentions this fact. Thank you.” He slammed his gavel.

Detective Bhakdi: “Yes, Your Honor. I will present the account of our investigation’s second phase.” He adjusted his police badge before testifying. “The provincial government received intelligence from the Internal Security Operations Command three days ago. The Golden Hand, a capitalist counter-revolutionary underground movement, sent a terrorist threat to the Myanmar democratic government. We could track the sender's IP address under judicial oversight to an apartment building in our public housing complex. The police searched the place and found a room registered by a former corporate executive of a regional construction company. His name is Pitipoom Sabsila. We found stolen and illegally imported blood packs inside his residence. More importantly, we cracked his personal computer’s password under judicial oversight and found his direct connection to The Golden Hand. The evidence is his access to the underground movement’s encrypted internal messaging app.”

Prosecutor Jiroj: “As you can see, Your Honor, a reasonable logical deduction is that the defendant is an operative of The Golden Hand, a vicious bourgeois force. The defense alleged that our prime suspect didn’t bring anything malicious during the past month. However, the prosecution asserts that the same side also can’t prove whether the defendant had brought in any explosive device beforehand. Our theory, supported by evidence, holds firm, Your Honor. If anything, we have proven that the bombing incident was not conducted in isolation.” He spoke and smiled confidently.

Judge Pongpon: “I see no problem that required further cross-examination from the defense to this witness. The case file mentioned that the police arrested Mr. Pitipoom last night with ISOC’s assistance. He will face his trial next week for alleged abduction, rape, and torture, although I have no doubt these claims are valid. The prosecution submitted such an individual as their witness, and I ordered him to take the stand and testify about his connection to the bombing case. Thank you.” He slammed his gavel, and the bailiff brought the new witness into the courtroom.

Pitipoom Sabsila: “Greeting, revolutionaries,” he said with a sinful smirk. “I must admit, last night, that girl’s puss—”

Public Defender Suthida: “HOLD IT!” She pointed at the witness. “Comrade Judge, this witness is verbally violating my legal assistant, who is still suffering from the event last night, and he is showing contempt of court!” She shouted, then heard someone slam the table from the other side.

Prosecutor Jiroj: “Your Honor, the prosecution agrees with the defense’s assessment. Mueang Phichit People’s Prosecutor’s Office hereby files a demand that the witness's violation of the confederal and provincial laws be immediately included in the charge against him in his tomorrow’s trial!” He raised his finger and forcefully pointed at Pitipoom.

Judge Pongpon: “Witness! You must cease such behavior at once or you will be held in contempt of court!” He slammed his gavel seriously. “This is the last warning. If you continue such a charade, your dream of reclaiming your extracted surplus value will end immediately.” He glared at the witness, who appeared to get sensitive regarding his past wealth. “Now, provide your testimony. This is a court’s order, not something you can reject.”

Pitipoom Sabsila: “Of course, I won’t say it anymore. It is the prime reason why I hate communism. You can’t just fuck anyone you want anymore.” You said without opening his eyes. Perhaps, he was afraid of the stare. “Yeah, Nannayot, that stupid person, was my servant back in the old days. While lacking in intellectual capacity, he was a loyal puppet. He is the kind of toy I like. I called him to meet at my place two months ago and gave him the blood packs. This timeline is why the defense can’t prove his suspicious activity. The prosecution’s deductive skill is exemplary for a mere worm. Everyone understands now that we should just convict my old toy, right?” He laughed mercilessly.

Judge Pongpon: “W—What?!?!”The judge was shocked and turned speechless for a few seconds. “Witness, that testimony was incredibly decisive. I feel bad for the defense. Comrade public defender, do you want to begin your cross-examination? You may, of course, but I don’t think it is winnable here.” His wide eyes looked at Suthida.

Public Defender Suthida: “Unquestionably, Comrade Judge. The defense will begin its cross-examination because there is a huge contradiction in his testimony!” She pointed a finger at Pitipoom. “First, the witness claimed that he handed over the blood packs to the defendant two months ago. This statement is evidence that he merely perceives us as someone worthy of slavery and torture, as The Golden Hand proclaims.” She pulled out a document from the case file. “Comrade Judge, as you remember, I submitted new evidence to the court just ten minutes before the trial began. Surprisingly, the stolen blood packs originated from a local hospital in Trat two weeks ago. However, we must remember the blood stain on the wall. Lab results found perfect matches between the DNA of the blood stain and the stolen blood packs and those illegally imported. I question, Comrade Judge, how could the witness give my client something he does not have?” She said assertively, receiving a flamboyant applause from Laksika while the entire courtroom went crazy with commotion.

Judge Pongpon: “ORDER!!!” He slammed his gavel. “Comrade prosecutor, what is the meaning of this? Why is your witness giving false testimony? I thought a professional from a respectable judicial institution would have been more careful in reading the evidence file! I hereby give you your first penalty of this trial, comrade prosecutor. You have only four chances left.” He slammed his gavel again.

Prosecutor Jiroj: “Y—Yes, Your Honor,” he appeared shaken. “Please accept my deepest apology for my lack of due diligence. I did not expect that the court would accept any last-minute evidence. My assumption is proven wrong.” He composed himself. “However, we still can’t prove or deny the defendant’s guilt. I request Your Honor to temporarily suspend the proceeding and allow us to continue our investigation.”

Public Defender Suthida: “Objection! Comrade judge, further investigation is not needed. The defense has an idea that would immediately prove the defendant’s innocence and pin the blame on the current witness.” She paused and pointed at the bourgeois on the stand. “Yes, Comrade judge, the defense formally indicts Pitipoom Sabsila for counter-revolutionary acts! Furthermore, we demand that all community assemblies’ representatives of Mueang Phichit District allow this court of justice to call the only one confederal representative in this courthouse to stand; Mr. Boriban Pikulthep, a field operative of the Internal Security Operations Command!” Commotion exploded once more in the courtroom.

The Court enters a 30-minute recess and will reconvene on 14:00​