TO HE The Thai Ambassador,
“Dear Mr. Ambassador,
Reporters Without Borders, an organisation that defends press freedom worldwide, would like to draw your attention to the case of Suwicha Thakor. This 34-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for emailing altered photos of King Bhumipol Adulyadej. The sentence is disturbing for human rights activists in Thailand and abroad. It could hurt Thailand’s international image and give the impression of a country that is intolerant and opposed to press freedom.
We regard the punishment imposed on Suwicha Thakor as disproportionate and we therefore urge you, Mr. Ambassador, to ask your government to review the sentence.”
Suwicha Thakor was condemned to a 10-year jail sentence by a criminal court in the northeast Bangkok district of Ratchada imposed on 3 April 2009 for posting content online that was deemed to have insulted the monarchy. Thakor has been held in Bangkok’s Klong Prem prison since 14 January.
“The charge of lese majeste has become a major tool of repression in Thailand,” Reporters Without Borders said in a press released published on 3 April. “The sentence passed on Suwicha Thakor violates online free expression and is out of all proportion to what he is alleged to have done. We call for his release and we urge the government to amend this law, which is being abused in an unacceptable manner.”
SIGN THE PETITION AND ASK FOR HIS RELEASE : http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=30785
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