Protest leader and co-founder of the Ratsadon pro-democracy group, Parit Chiwarak, has threatened to go on hunger strike if fellow activists charged with lèse majesté offences are not released. Thailand’s lèse majesté law, officially known as section 112 of the Criminal Code, prohibits criticising, insulting, or otherwise defaming the monarchy. A number of activists have been hit with the charge for their roles in anti-government protests that have been taking place – primarily in Bangkok – since July last year.
Parit, also known by his nickname, “Penguin”, was speaking at the end of a hearing at the Criminal Court in Bangkok yesterday. The hearing concerned the protests of September 19 and 20 at Sanam Luang, in the capital. 7 activists have been charged with lèse majesté and have had multiple bail requests turned down.
The Bangkok Post reports that activist and…
