With the decision, which requiredthree-fifths of the votes, or 132 votes, Yingluck will be banned frompolitics for five years and thus be unable to contest the next generalelection expected in 2016.
On the same day, Thai Minister ofJustice Surasak Threerattrakul announced that Yingluck will facecriminal charges stemming from corruption accusations related to therice subsidy programme.
He said after considering allwitnesses’ testimonies and evidence from the National Anti-CorruptionCommittee, the case substantiates a criminal indictment charge againstYingluck. If found guilty of the criminal charge, she could face up to10 years in prison.
Yingluck was forced from office inearly May by a court verdict that declared she had violated theconstitution and abused power.-VNA