Parents of Thai ex-princess given jail term for lese majeste
Parents of Thai ex-princess given jail term for lese majeste
The judge reduced the sentence of Srirasmi's parents from five years because they pleaded guilty
The
parents of a former Thai princess have been sentenced to two-and-a-half
years in prison after pleading guilty to defaming the monarchy.
The parents of Srirasmi Suwadee, who was recently divorced
from Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, admitted misusing their royal
connections 12 years ago.Since last year, nine of Ms Srirasmi's relatives have been arrested.
Thailand's royal family is protected by some of the strictest lese majeste laws in the world.
The army staged a coup last year, and have since ramped up the use of lese majeste.
The law prohibits any negative comments about the king, queen, heir or regent. It carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Media organisations cannot report the full details of any case without risking prosecution under the law.
Critics say the law restricts free speech and is used as a tool to silence political opposition.
On Wednesday, a court sentenced Apiruj Suwadee, 72, and his wife Wanthanee, 66, for insulting the royal family, lodging a malicious claim and asking authorities to file false charges against their neighbour in 2003.
Ms Srirasmi gave up all her royal titles last December.
Various members of her family, including her sister and two brothers, have now been convicted and jailed for lese majeste.
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