Thailand sentenced two students to jail on Monday for two-and-a-half years for insulting the monarchy in a university play, in a case which drew dozens of activists to a protest outside the court in defiance of a ban on demonstrations.
The country has been under martial law since a May coup. The convictions come amid anxiety over the health of ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 87, and the issue of royal succession.
Thailand's lese-majeste law is the world's harshest and makes it a crime to defame, insult or threaten the king, queen or heir to the throne or regent. The junta has stepped up a campaign against perceived insults to the monarchy since it took power.
Patiwat Saraiyaem, 23, and Pornthip Mankong, 26, were both convicted on a count of lese-majeste, which carries a maximum of 15 years in prison.
"Both suspects violated the 112 law and receive a five-year prison sentence ... reduced by half," a judge said, referring to the penal code section. Full story...
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The country has been under martial law since a May coup. The convictions come amid anxiety over the health of ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 87, and the issue of royal succession.
Thailand's lese-majeste law is the world's harshest and makes it a crime to defame, insult or threaten the king, queen or heir to the throne or regent. The junta has stepped up a campaign against perceived insults to the monarchy since it took power.
Patiwat Saraiyaem, 23, and Pornthip Mankong, 26, were both convicted on a count of lese-majeste, which carries a maximum of 15 years in prison.
"Both suspects violated the 112 law and receive a five-year prison sentence ... reduced by half," a judge said, referring to the penal code section. Full story...
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- Student in Thailand faces prison for "having opinions" about the king...
- Killing in the name of Thailand's king...
- Thai activist jailed for seven and a half years for royal 'insult'
- Thai activist jailed for 15 years for royal slur...
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