"A criminal court in Thailand will decide on Friday whether former leader Thaksin Shinawatra violated the country's strict lese-majesty law, the first of three court cases that could decide the fate of one of the country's most powerful families. Thaksin is accused of insulting the monarchy during an interview with South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo in 2015. He has denied wrongdoing and repeatedly pledged his loyalty to the king, who according to the constitution should be enthroned in a position of revered worship."
"Thailand has one of the world's most severe lese-majesty laws, under which criticism of the monarchy is punishable by between three and 15 years in prison. Since 2020, at least 281 people have been charged under the law, which can be interpreted broadly, with protesters prosecuted for political speeches, wearing clothes deemed to be an impersonation of the royals, or for being involved in the sale of satirical cartoons. Critics say the law is used to target political opponents and silence dissent."
A Thai criminal court will determine whether former leader Thaksin Shinawatra violated lese-majesty law for remarks in a 2015 interview, with penalties ranging three to 15 years. Thaksin denies wrongdoing and has affirmed loyalty to the king. Thailand's broad lese-majesty statute has led to at least 281 charges since 2020 and has been used against protesters and satirists. The case is one of several legal challenges facing Thaksin and his family, including a constitutional review of daughter Paetongtarn's position over a leaked call and a separate trial over alleged avoidance of prison after returning from exile.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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