A Thai court imposed a new term of two years and eight months on human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa and four others, with three defendants already serving time for prior royal insult convictions. The case focused on a 2020 rally demanding transparency over Crown Property Bureau share transfers to Siam Commercial Bank, where King Vajiralongkorn holds a 23.6 percent stake. Incarcerated since 2023, the 42-year-old activist has accumulated multiple convictions linked to his speeches and online commentary.
Key points
Arnon Nampa's total prison sentence now exceeds 34 years following multiple lese majeste…: Arnon Nampa's total prison sentence now exceeds 34 years following multiple lese majeste convictions.
Defense lawyer Krisadang Nutcharut criticized the ruling, stating that royal insult laws…: Defense lawyer Krisadang Nutcharut criticized the ruling, stating that royal insult laws have become a political tool against opponents.
The 42-year-old activist has been continuously incarcerated since 2023 for activities rel…: The 42-year-old activist has been continuously incarcerated since 2023 for activities related to Thailand's 2020 monarchical reform protests.
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BANGKOK: A Thai court sentenced a leader of 2020 protests to an additional two years in jail on Friday (Oct 30), a rights group said, bringing his total term to more than 34 years.
Human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa was convicted on a fresh count of lese majeste, the strict law that shields the Thai royal family from criticism but which critics say is used to muzzle dissent.
Arnon rose to prominence in youth-led protests that saw tens of thousands of people take to the streets in 2020, calling for reform of the military-drafted constitution and the monarchy.
The 42-year-old has been jailed since 2023 on multiple royal insult convictions linked to the protests and his social media posts.
Arnon and four others were sentenced to two years and eight months under lese majeste, campaign group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said in a Facebook post.
Krisadang Nutcharut, a lawyer representing Arnon, confirmed the ruling to AFP, saying the charges stem from a 2020 protest in front of the Siam Commercial Bank headquarters.
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