Thai Protest Leader Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Royal Insult
TimeAPR 3 2023
Leading Thai Activist Sentenced to Additional Jail Time
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The Spin
Narrative A
Yet again, a Thai court has enforced this archaic and oppressive law against an independent political activist who merely used his freedom of speech to criticize the monarchy. As if criminalizing that wasn't authoritarian enough, the prosecution carries no burden of proof — and even factual statements can be punished.
Narrative B
Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which is commonly known as Thailand's lèse majesté law, protects key national institutions as well as national security while also reflecting its culture and history. With the exception of some fringe troublemakers, the Thai populace respects the monarchy and recognizes it as one of the main pillars of the nation.