Thai court bans use of violence against protesters

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court has ordered the government not to use force to crack down on protesters who are seeking the prime minister's resignation.

The Civil Court ruled Wednesday that the prime minister and a special security command center cannot issue any orders under an emergency decree that would violate the protesters' rights.

The Cabinet declared a state of emergency in the Bangkok area on Jan. 21 after the protesters threatened to shut down the capital by blocking key intersections and occupying government offices.

The court cited another court's earlier ruling that said the protests were peaceful.

It was unclear whether Wednesday's ruling would affect arrest warrants issued for protest leaders for violating the state of emergency.