A man was sentenced to 35 years in jail in 2017 for a series of Facebook posts and comments about the royal family. FMTNews
October 15, 2020 3:59 PM
After police arrested a number of prominent political activists Thursday, a government spokesman said charges will be pressed against those who obstructed a royal motorcade a day earlier and anyone who had acted “in a way that defames the monarchy”.Under Section 112 of Thailand’s penal code, anyone convicted of defaming, insulting or threatening the king, queen, heir or regent faces between three and 15 years in prison on each count.
According to legal aid groups, just six people were jailed on lese majeste convictions before 2014. That number skyrocketed in the following five years, with 169 convictions.Why so many cases? The use of the law had slowed recently and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha — leader of the 2014 coup — said in June the king had asked the government to “refrain” from using it.What is punished under Section 112?
There is no comparative research that shows which countries use royal defamation laws the most, but historian David Streckfuss says Thailand’s prosecution rate had made the kingdom “the leader” since 2006.Domestic and international media must routinely self-censor their reporting of lese majeste cases and the monarchy in general or risk prosecution.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Speaker explains why no-confidence motion sits at end of order paper | The Malaysian InsightAzhar Azizan Harun says such motions will not be expedited without a minister taking it up.
Read more »
MIC president: Why not suspend Parliament until pandemic declines?PETALING JAYA: MIC president Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran has suggested the prorogation or suspension of Parliament in order to solve the political impasse that is plaguing the country amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more »
COMMENT | Same prison, different hells - Why lockdowns hurt women moreWomen and girls are exposed to violence, harassment in a situation of limited movement and uncertain income.
Read more »
Why does my cat like my neighbour more?The reason is usually pretty clear: your kitty is being fed and probably cuddled and looked after by someone else.
Read more »
Anwar deceived the king, says Bersatu Youth | The Malaysian InsightOpposition leader insulted royal institution with poorly timed visit to palace yesterday, laments wing's info chief.
Read more »
Anwar to give statement on MPs list at Bukit Aman tomorrow113 police reports have been lodged against the opposition leader over his claim so far. FMTNews AnwarIbrahim PoliceReport
Read more »