The Appellate Court has confirmed the conviction and jail term imposed on activist Phromson Veerathamjaree in a case involving Section 112 of the Criminal Code, related to the law on disrespecting the monarchy.
As per Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, the Thanyaburi Provincial Court has set a hearing for Tuesday to announce the appellate decision in a case that originated from a demonstration near Khlong Luang police station in Pathum Thani on January 14, 2021.
The meeting demanded the release of activist Sirichai Nathueng, also referred to as “New,” who was detained under Section 112 charges.
The Court of Appeal confirmed the lower court’s decision that Phromson was found guilty of several charges, such as lèse-majesté, disrespecting authorities, illegal gathering, and breaches of emergency rules implemented during the pandemic.
The lower court first handed down a total prison term of five years and eight months, but cut it to two years and ten months once the defendant admitted guilt. The court decided that the sentence should not be put on hold.
In its decision, the Appeals Court stated that the case was significant. It mentioned that the defendant, who was 34 when the event occurred, should have been aware that his behavior and remarks during the demonstration were offensive to the monarchy, a body held in high regard by the public. The court also highlighted that the protest was streamed online, enabling the statements to reach a broad audience.
The court also stated that the crimes were carried out openly in the presence of police officers and without any fear of legal consequences, noting that the defendant had participated in several similar cases.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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