BANGKOK: A Thai military court on Tuesday released 14 students held for almost two weeks for holding anti-coup protests in defiance of a ban on public gatherings, but the charges against them have not been dropped.

There had been growing calls for their release, including from the United Nations and the European Union, and public shows of support for the 14 have taken place across Thailand and among the Thai diaspora over the past few days.

Thailand’s military overthrew the previous democratic government last year after months of political unrest. The junta has since stifled dissent, barring political gatherings and debate.

“Police asked to extend the students’ detention but today the court threw out that request,” said Kisadang Nutjarat, a lawyer for the students.

“They have released the kids from prison today. There are no conditions and there was no bail,” he said, adding that charges against the students had not been dropped.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2015

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