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On 19 September the Thai Criminal Court will announce the date of the verdict of Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, well known editor and long time labour rights activist in Thailand. He could face up to 30 years in prison.
We need your voice again, so let it be loud! Tell the Thai Prime Minister: Release Somyot now!
The trial of Thai labour rights activist and journalist Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, started on 21st November 2011, following seven months in detention on charges of lèse majesté. If found guilty he could face 30 years' imprisonment.
Somyot's son Tai will be on hunger strike on 11-16 February, during the week of Somyot's next court hearing in Songkla province. This action is being taken because of the continued refusal of the Criminal Court to release Somyot on bail, most recently denied on the 9th February.
Update 20/12/2011
On 19 Dec, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, editor of Voice of Taksin magazine and red-shirt leader, was brought to the provincial court in Phetchabun in lower northern Thailand for the hearing of the second prosecution witness, a former employee of his magazine. The court room was packed with an audience from Bangkok and local areas.
Update: 17/01/2012
On January 16th, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, editor of “ Voice of Taksin ” magazine, was brought to Nakornsawan Provincial Court for the third hearing of the prosecution witnesses.
Update: 27/01/2012
On 26 January 2012 the request of human rights defender Mr Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, to have the next session of the court hearing against him heard in Bangkok was rejected by the court. Following the court's rejection of his recent request, Somyot will have to travel to Songkla Province, located 950 kilometres from Bangkok (13 hours by bus), for the fourth and last session of the hearing involving Prosecution witnesses which is due to take place on 13 February 2012.
"I will continue to fight for my freedom from prison. I appeal to all the international community– friends and comrades to continue to support democracy, freedom and justice in Thailand"
On Monday 19th December Somyot starts his second day on trial on charges of Lese Majeste (offending the King). If found guilty at the end of his trial in May 2012 he faces a possible thirty year imprisonment.
It is with sadness that we note that the Bangkok Criminal Court has found human rights defender Somyot Prueksakasemsuk guilty on 2 counts under the lèse-majesté law* and sentenced him to 11 years of imprisonment. Labour Behind the Label, together with the Free Somyot Campaign and the Thai Labour Campaign, strongly deplore this verdict, and commit to continue to campaign for his release.
