Thailand blamed for Somyot verdict

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Somyot handed 10 years for lese majeste

Published: 24 Jan 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The 10-year prison sentence handed down to Voice of Taksin editor Somyot Prueksakasemsuk for lese majeste crimes has prompted criticism from human rights groups worldwide.

Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, former editor of the Voice of Taksin magazine, flashes a V sign before the verdict in his case at the Criminal Court yesterday. SURAPOL PROMSAKA NA SAKOLNAKORN

Rights advocates have denounced the verdict as a major setback for freedom of expression in the country.

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wakeup
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Discussion 6 : 25 Jan 2013 at 23.196
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Somyot's publication, "Voice of Taksin" made specific and repeated threats of violence against Thailand's stability and specific individuals, including publishing the addresses, phone numbers, and pictures of judges ruling on Thaksin's cases. In any nation on Earth, you'd get 20 years or more for this alone.
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majority
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Discussion 5 : 24 Jan 2013 at 18.245
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From 1990 to 2005, the Thai court system only saw four or five lese-majesty cases a year. From January 2006 to May 2011, however, more than 400 cases came to trial, an estimated 1,500 percent increase.
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nns
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Discussion 4 : 24 Jan 2013 at 08.394
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When you keep defending the undefendable, sooner or later you become defenseless.
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tomb
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Discussion 3 : 24 Jan 2013 at 07.423
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Scary developments reminiscent of a dictatorship like Big Brother.

Definitely not the way forward. Btw, why is the publisher in jail and the writer of said articles not?

Yet again Thailand shoots itself in the foot.
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siamitude
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Discussion 2 : 24 Jan 2013 at 07.132
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A country without Justice is a country where all the citizens are guilty.
This verdict like this one brings true shame on our country.
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watchdog
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Discussion 1 : 24 Jan 2013 at 07.021
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Thailand is part of the international community and is not shy about claiming its rights as a member of the international community (e.g., the shrimp case involving the US). It has benefited tremendously through participation in the international community. This is a two way street, and Thailand should no be surprised by such criticism. If the criticism can be challenged on the particulars of this event, fine. But arguing that the international community should just butt out (e.g., the UN is not my father) will make only make matters more difficult for Thailand. I hope the authorities and Thais understand this.
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Thailand blamed for Somyot verdict | Bangkok Post: news

Somyot handed 10 years for lese majeste

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