This same Wednesday, the trial against Daniel Sancho for the murder of Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta in Thailand restarted, after the five-day break for the Buddhist New Year (Songkran). A judicial process that will last until May 3 and that this week will feature the testimonies of several members of the police who participated in the investigation of the case.
This week three hearings will be held from Wednesday to Friday, again behind closed doors and with the judge prohibiting details of what is happening in the small court room, which accommodates around twenty people, including representatives of the defense and the prosecution, in addition to the witnesses of that day.
An order that Rodolfo Sancho and Silvia Bronchalo, the parents of the accused, must comply with, who religiously attend each day of the trial against their son. In addition to not being able to reveal anything that happens behind closed doors of the court – they have to undergo a search before entering the trial, since their mobile phones are removed before entering, since recordings are strictly prohibited -; They also cannot make certain gestures, such as looking at the judge’s face, among other things.
The courts in the Asian country are completely different from those one can expect in a Western one. Arriving for the first time, either as a defendant, witness or assistant, can be an intimidating experience if you are unfamiliar with the country’s rules.
For example, among other rules, Daniel Sancho’s parents cannot cross their legs or arms while sitting, as it is considered a lack of respect for the magistrate. Furthermore, if they have to address the judge, they must bow, only addressing him when the magistrate himself requests it.
The defendant’s parents should also keep their emotions in check, as losing one’s temper over what may happen in court can be seen as “childish” and unprofessional. Regarding clothing, it is required that they come with appropriate attire: dresses, skirts or long pants for women; in addition to not resorting to low necklines, tight clothing or shoes that show toes or heels. Men, for their part, should opt for long pants.
These are some of the rules in force in the courts of Thailand, which maintains King Rama X (Maha Vajiralongkorn) as its Head of State and last of its nation, including its courts. If Daniel Sancho is sentenced to death, it will be the king who decides his fate, since he is the only one with the power to commute the death penalty.
This week’s three hearings, from Wednesday to Friday, will again be held behind closed doors. The trial is scheduled to take place until May 3, and will have two representatives of the Spanish Embassy participating as observers, since the Spaniard faces a possible death penalty.
The young Spaniard initially confessed to the premeditated murder and dismemberment of Arrieta, whom he met a year earlier on Instagram and with whom he had met on the tourist island, although he later pleaded not guilty before the judge, whose identity is confidential.
