Move Forward Party MP jailed for 2 years for royal defamation

Move Forward Party MP jailed for 2 years for royal defamation

Thanya Buri Provincial Court sentenced Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chonthicha Jangrew to two years in prison for royal defamation under Section 112 of the Criminal Code.

The verdict, delivered today, originally imposed a three-year sentence but was subsequently reduced to two years with no suspension. Another charge against Chonthicha for violating the emergency decree on public gatherings was dismissed by the court.

The legal proceedings followed a rally on September 11, 2021, where Chonthicha and nine other activists protested in front of the court in Thanya Buri district, Pathum Thani, demanding the release of political prisoners.

Chonthicha, after hearing the verdict, applied for and was granted bail to contest the case in the Appeal Court, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. She will maintain her status as an MP during this legal process.