A Thai human rights lawyer was convicted and sentenced to four years in prison after he was accused of insulting the monarchy.
Arnon Nampa was found guilty of defaming King Maha Vajiralongkorn during a student-led rally on Oct. 14, 2020, that commemorated a popular uprising in 1973 that led to the fall of a decade-long military dictatorship.
Arnon, 39, still faces 13 more cases under the lese majeste law, which mean he and his immediate family can end up in prison for up to 15 years.
He was also fined 20,000 baht ($550) for disobeying an emergency ruling banning large public groups during the coronavirus pandemic.
Arnon’s lawyer, Kritsadang Nutcharat, said his client will appeal and seek bail. Arnon hugged his son before being taken away to be jailed.
“The movement of the new generation created a phenomenon of change for the country in a way that cannot be turned back,” Arnon said. “I want the fight of the new generation to truly change the country.”
Arnon was vested the 2021 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights by a South Korean foundation for his pro-democracy work.
Since speaking out against the monarchy is considered taboo, at least 257 people have been charged in 278 cases since November 2020, including at least 20 minors, according to the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.
