Thai prosecutors indict five over blocking of queen’s motorcade | Human Rights News

The five protesters were indicted for attempted violence under a section of the law that carries a minimum sentence of 16 years in prison.

Five pro-democracy activists in Thailand have been charged with the criminal offence of attempting to harm the queen over an encounter with a royal motorcade during a protest last year.

If convicted, the group could face a minimum of 16 years jail or life in prison under a law that has not been used for decades and punishes any “act of violence against the queen or her liberty”.

And if the court finds they put the queen’s life in danger, they could be sentenced to death.

“I did not have such intentions, nor was I trying to do so. I’ve reaffirmed these facts over the past few months,” said one of the accused, Bunkueanun “Francis” Paothong, 21, on Wednesday.

Others include Suranat Panprasert, 35, a coordinator for a youth group,…