Brussels, 23/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 23 January, the EU delegation in Thailand criticised the 10-year sentence meted out to journalist and militant Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, who was charged with defaming the county's monarchy. The delegation emphasised that it is “deeply concerned by the court's decision”. In a press release, the delegation stated that “the EU urges the Thai authorities to ensure that any limitation of fundamental rights is applied in a proportional manner consistent with upholding universal human rights”. The EU delegation in Thailand considers that “the verdict seriously undermines the right to freedom of expression and press freedom. At the same time, it affects Thailand's image as a free and democratic society”.
Mr Prueksakasemsuk was sentenced on 23 January after being charged with violating Article 112 of the criminal code by publishing two articles in 2010 in a magazine of which he was the editor-in-chief. His articles were said to have insulted the Thai monarchy. This case is one of many in which punishment is handed out for expressing ideas that are considered insulting towards the monarchy which is protected by very harsh legislation (see EUROPE 10624). (CG/transl.fl)