‘Penguin’ faces 25th lese majeste charge

Latest event stems from comments made about court decision on skills of past PM Prayut

‘Penguin’ faces 25th lese majeste charge
Parit” Penguin” Chiwarak speaks to reporters on his appearance at the Samran Rat police station on Dec 16, 2020. ( Photo supplied )

Social activist Parit” Penguin” Chiwarak reported to authorities this week to answer another der- guess situation, bringing the total number he faces to a report- setting 25, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights ( TLHR )

The problem under Part 112 of the Criminal Code was lodged against him by previous Palang Pracharath Party MP Pareena Kraikupt in connection with a social media post he made in December 2021, the doctors ‘ group said.

In the article concerning a Democratic Court decision on the qualifications of former prime minister Prayut Chan- o- dah, Mr Parit was accused of offending the queen as well as violating the system crime law.

Each judgment under the royal libel laws carries a prison term of between 3 and 15 times. Most individuals charged with lese- qualifications even find themselves charged with pc crime.

Mr Parit met with researchers at the Thong Lor police stop on Thursday and denied both charges against him. He even refused to have his prints taken and told authorities he would send a declaration of defence within 30 days. He was released after acknowledging the expenses.

According to TLHR, it was the 25th subsystem- guess case filed against Mr Parit in connection with his social actions during 2020 and 2021.

The team’s data to March 29 this month show that 1, 951 people have been prosecuted for social participation and appearance since the beginning of the Free Youth protests in July 2020. At least 269 are facing claims under Part 112 and 150 have been charged with sedition under Section 116.

In a related growth, the Criminal Court on Friday rejected another loan program for hunger- dramatic activists Tantawan Tuatulanon and Natthanon Chaimahabut, saying there was no cause to evaluate the matter.

Lawyers representing the pair had asked the court to appoint Sommai Tuatulanon, Ms Tantawan’s father, as the supervisor of their release.

Both face charges of sedition arising from an incident on Feb 4 during a motorcade carrying Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Mr Natthanon, 23, honked his horn repeatedly and tried to pass a police car and Ms Tantawan argued with an officer when they were stopped.

They have been in custody since Feb 14, when they began their hunger strike to protest against the refusal of bail to people accused of political offences.

Ms Tantawan is at Thammasat University Hospital while Mr Natthanon is at the Medical Correctional Hospital.