Request for Bail Filed for Political Activists Convicted in 2021 Rally
PUBLISHED : 13 Sep 2024 at 17:27
Political activists Jatupat Boonpattararaksa and Attapon Buapat have been sentenced to prison for lese-majeste offenses related to a rally held in Phu Khieo district, Chaiyaphum province.
The Phu Khieo Provincial Court convicted the duo of violating Article 112 of the Criminal Code, sentencing Jatupat to three years in prison and Attapon to two years. Other charges against them were dismissed.
Jatupat, known as “Pai Dao Din,” received a heavier sentence due to this being his second offense, while it was Attapon’s first, where he is referred to as “Khru Yai” within activist circles.
Attorneys for the activists have requested their clients’ release on bail. As of late Friday afternoon, they were awaiting a decision from the Court of Appeal Region 3 based in Nakhon Ratchasima. If bail is denied, both will be transported to Phu Khieo prison.
Jatupat and Attapon were charged for their involvement in a protest on February 1, 2011, outside Phu Khieo School and the local police station, where they demanded an apology from authorities for allegedly threatening students at their homes.
The prosecution highlighted that the activists called for reforms to the monarchy during an unauthorized protest, which was considered unsafe due to the lack of face masks amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Another activist, Panupong “Mike” Jadnok, is also implicated in the case but is currently absconding in New Zealand, where he is reportedly seeking amnesty. An arrest warrant has been issued for him.
According to data, as of August 31 this year, 1,956 individuals have faced prosecution for political activities since the onset of the Free Youth protests in July 2020. Among these, at least 273 individuals are charged under the lese-majeste law, while 152 face sedition charges.
