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| Thai caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (2nd R front) arrives at the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to defend herself from the charge of malfeasance related to the rice-pledging scheme in Bangkok, Thailand, March 31, 2014. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak) |
BANGKOK, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Thai caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Monday defended herself in person against charges of negligence of duty in the rice-pledging scheme.
In the afternoon, Yingluck made an oral defense at the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against allegations that she, as chairperson of the National Rice Policy Committee, has failed to address corruption in the scheme.
Meanwhile, her legal team submitted three boxes of documents to the NACC as evidence.
The panel that probes into the scheme is expected to examine Yingluck's statement at a meeting on Tuesday, NACC secretary- general Sansern Poljiak was quoted by Bangkok Post as saying.
Yingluck earlier said that she had not been given enough time to prepare her defense against the NACC's allegations and called for fair treatment.
The Thai government started buying rice from farmers at above- market prices in 2011 to shore up rural incomes, fulfilling a campaign pledge by the Pheu Thai Party headed by Yingluck. The scheme has been widely accused of fueling rampant corruption.
If found guilty, Yingluck could face removal from office and a five-year ban from politics.
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