A outstanding Thai activist and lawyer, recognized for his brazen requires reforms in Thailand’s monarchy, received a four-year prison sentence at present over costs of royal insults, a verdict confirmed by each the judge and his authorized counsel.
Arnon Nampa emerged as a notable figure during the pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020, the place the Thai activist publicly advocated for a discourse on the function of the King. This subject has long been thought-about off-limits in Thai society. Despite insisting on his innocence, the controversial lese majeste legislation in Thailand, which carries a most of 15 years in prison for each perceived insult against the monarchy, has led to his sentencing.
Krisadang Nutcharus, his lawyer, informed Reuters that efforts are underway to safe the 39 year old’s bail.
This judgement marks the first among 14 lese majeste instances filed towards the outspoken Thai activist, who’s but one amongst tons of of individuals charged beneath this legislation. Arnon Nampa played a key position within the pro-democracy movement led by the youth in 2020, which mobilised hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets of Bangkok.
The protesters demanded the resignation of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who assumed power after a coup on May 22, 2014. Additionally, they sought to reform the monarchy and abolish the lese majeste law, Section 112 of the criminal code.
According to the legal assist group, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, a minimal of 257 people have been indicted with Section 112 since 2020.
In related news, in May, the second youngest person accused of committing lese majeste in Thailand was launched on bail from the Ban Pranee Juvenile Vocational Training Centre for Girls in Nakhon Pathom province.
After her release, she was found to have a rash on her back allegedly brought on by unsanitary water on the detention centre, exacerbated by scorching weather and mosquito bites. Because to learn more!
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