A Thai court has sentenced a lawmaker from the progressive opposition party to two years in prison for defaming the monarchy during a protest rally three years ago. The lawmaker, known as 'Lookkate,' was found guilty of making statements that could misinform the public about the monarchy's involvement in politics and finances.
The court reduced the original three-year sentence to two years due to the defendant's cooperation during the trial. The offense of defaming the monarchy, known as lese majeste, carries a penalty of three to 15 years in prison under Article 112 of the Criminal Code.
Despite being released on bail, the lawmaker faces removal from her parliamentary seat if sent to prison directly. She expressed intentions to appeal the verdict and highlighted the lack of bail rights for other political prisoners.
The case involved ten defendants charged with various offenses, including illegal assembly and violating COVID-19 emergency decrees. All defendants were acquitted of these charges except for the lawmaker, who was the sole individual charged with violating the lese majeste law.
The defendant, a former activist turned politician, gained prominence during youth-led protests demanding democratic reforms in Thailand. Her party's unexpected success in the last general election was overshadowed by conservative opposition, preventing them from taking power.
Criticism of the monarchy is a sensitive issue in Thailand, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison for insulting royal family members. The rise of pro-democracy movements challenging this taboo has led to increased prosecutions under the lese majeste law, sparking concerns about political suppression.
Since early 2020, over 270 individuals, mostly student activists, have faced charges under Article 112. The recent conviction of another party member for social media posts further underscores the challenges faced by those advocating for political reform in Thailand.
