12 anti-government protesters summonsed to hear lèse majesté charges
With almost impeccable timing, 12 pro-democracy protesters have been issued with police summons to hear charges under section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code. Section 112 relates to the offence of lèse majesté, or insulting, defaming or threatening the Monarchy. Anyone convicted on lèse majesté charges faces imprisonment of between 3 and 15 years.
In June this year the Thai PM announced that HM the King had asked the government not to impose the country’s lèse majesté laws.
Protest leader Parit Chiwarak, aka, “Penguin” is facing a total of 8 charges. According to a Nation Thailand report, 6 have been filed by police stations in the north-eastern provinces of Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Roi Et, in the central provinces of Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi, and the Chana Songkram district of Bangkok. 2 additional charges are being brought by the Technology Crime Suppression Division.
Meanwhile, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, aka, “Rung”, who has been named by the BBC as one of 2020’s 100 most inspiring and influential women, faces 6 charges. Both Panupong Jadnok (Mike) and human rights lawyer Anon Nampa face 4 charges each.
The other activists facing charges are Patsaravalee Tanakitvibulpon, aka “Mind”, (3 charges), Chanin Wongsri (2 charges), and Juthathip Sirikhan, Piyarat Jongthep, Thatthep Ruangprapaikijseree, Atthaphol Buaphat, Chukiat Saengwong and Sombat Thongyoi, all facing 1 charge each.
A spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police says officers are working on additional summons for a further 3 – 5 protesters, who will also face lèse majesté charges. It’s understood officers had a request for arrest warrants turned down on the basis that the suspects are public figures who have permanent residences in the Kingdom.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
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