A prominent Thai activist and lawyer, recognized for his brazen calls for reforms in Thailand’s monarchy, acquired a four-year jail sentence today over charges of royal insults, a verdict confirmed by each the decide and his legal 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 position of the King. This matter has lengthy been considered off-limits in Thai society. Despite insisting on his innocence, the controversial lese majeste legislation in Thailand, which carries a maximum of 15 years in jail for every perceived insult towards the monarchy, has led to his sentencing.
Krisadang Nutcharus, his lawyer, told Reuters that efforts are underway to secure the 39 year old’s bail.
This judgement marks the primary among 14 lese majeste cases filed in opposition to the outspoken Thai activist, who is but one amongst lots of of people charged underneath this regulation. Arnon Nampa performed a key role within the pro-democracy movement led by the youth in 2020, which mobilised tons of of 1000’s of people onto the streets of Bangkok.
The protesters demanded the resignation of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who assumed energy after a coup on May 22, 2014. Additionally, they sought to reform the monarchy and abolish the lese majeste law, Section 112 of the legal code.
According to the legal help group, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, a minimum of 257 individuals have been indicted with Section 112 since 2020.
In associated news, in May, the second youngest individual 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 launch, she was discovered to have a rash on her back allegedly caused by unsanitary water on the detention centre, exacerbated by sizzling weather and mosquito bites. Read HERE to learn more!
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