Justice Minister Denies Political Interference in Lawmaker Money-Laundering Case
Justice Minister Rutthapol Nueawratt denied political interference in a House member election fraud investigation, saying the Department of Special Investigation is proceeding based on evidence collected before he took office and awaiting t
Justice Minister Rutthapol Nueawratt said the Department of Special Investigation is proceeding with the House member election fraud case based on evidence and witnesses, awaiting a ruling from the Election Commission before advancing further. He denied any political interference, stating that evidence was collected before he assumed his position.
At a government house statement on September 22, the minister said the case requires the Election Commission's ruling, which has been submitted to the Supreme Court, before prosecutors can move forward. He confirmed that the Public Prosecutor's Office is also part of the joint investigation team.
When asked about reports of questioning in September and whether money laundering charges could be considered if the Election Commission declines to prosecute party leaders, Rutthapol said some reports did not align with the Department of Special Investigation's information. He asked the public to rely on official DSI Facebook page announcements for clarity.
Rutthapol denied that the case is connected to the transfer of the DSI director-general or intended to discredit anyone. He stressed that the decision whether DSI will charge more than eight individuals—compared to the Election Commission's move to prosecute 77 lawmakers—depends on the evidence. He emphasized that neither political figures nor the Justice Ministry have interfered, as prosecutors are also conducting the investigation. "I believe investigators and even the DSI director-general cannot direct the case, because evidence was gathered before I took office," Rutthapol said.
