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Thailand tourist double murder trial under way Thailand tourist murders court procedure begins
(about 3 hours later)
The trial is under way of two Burmese men charged with the murder of two British tourists earlier this year on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand. Court proceedings have begun against two Burmese men charged with the murder of two British tourists in September on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand.
Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, both 21, are accused of killing Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, and David Miller, 24, from Jersey, in September. Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, both 21, are accused of killing Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, and David Miller, 24, from Jersey.
Thai prosecutors say they have compiled a strong case against the defendants, who both deny killing the tourists.Thai prosecutors say they have compiled a strong case against the defendants, who both deny killing the tourists.
The suspects, both migrant workers, could be executed if found guilty.The suspects, both migrant workers, could be executed if found guilty.
The bodies of Miss Witheridge and Mr Miller were found on a beach in the popular tourist destination on 15 September. Mr Miller died from drowning and a blow to the head, while Miss Witheridge died from head wounds.The bodies of Miss Witheridge and Mr Miller were found on a beach in the popular tourist destination on 15 September. Mr Miller died from drowning and a blow to the head, while Miss Witheridge died from head wounds.
According to previous court documents, both men have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, rape, criminal cover-up, illegally entering Thailand and staying in the country without permission.According to previous court documents, both men have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, rape, criminal cover-up, illegally entering Thailand and staying in the country without permission.
Brought forwardBrought forward
The trial was due to begin in February but was unexpectedly brought forward, the BBC's correspondent in Bangkok, Jonathan Head, said.
The investigation has been marred by allegations of both police incompetence and of confessions extracted by torture, he said.The investigation has been marred by allegations of both police incompetence and of confessions extracted by torture, he said.
In October, the two men retracted the confessions they made following their arrest three months ago.In October, the two men retracted the confessions they made following their arrest three months ago.
They claimed they only confessed after being beaten and threatened by police.They claimed they only confessed after being beaten and threatened by police.