Saturday
18th May 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Thailand has enacted strict anti-criticism laws.
A Thai court has sentenced a man to 50 years in prison for criticizing the monarchy.
Thirty-year-old Mongkol Thirakot was sentenced for a Facebook post three years ago.
On Thursday, the Court of Appeal extended the sentence by 22 years. Making a 'negative' comment about the monarchy is an offense under the law in Thailand.
Last year, Thailand established its first civilian government, but the anti-criticism law is being implemented.
At Thursday's hearing, the judge said the sentence was reduced based on the defendant's conduct.
Chiang Rai Province's online clothing vendor, Mongkol Thirakot, was given an additional 22 years of jail time, following his conviction last year which saw him receive 28 years for royal insult violations from the criminal court. His lawyer has stated that he denies any wrongdoing.
The 'lèse-majesté' law was temporarily suspended at the beginning of King Vajiralongkorn's reign in 2019, but has come into effect since student-led protests began three years ago. This law is one of the strictest anti-criticism laws in the world, with each person receiving a 15 year sentence for each perceived violation by the Thai Government.
Previously, a retired civil servant was handed an 87 year jail sentence, but this was reduced to 43 years because she acknowledged her violations. She was found guilty of 29 instances of insulting the monarchy.