Singer Ammy Successful in Overturning Lèse-Majesté Conviction
Here's the rewritten article:
A Break for Ammy and Promsorn
Good news for singer Chai-amorn Kaewwiboonpan, also known as Ammy the Bottom Blues, and political activist Promsorn Viradhammajari! The Court of Appeal has thrown out the lese majeste case against Ammy and halved Promsorn's original sentence.
The decision was announced in Thanyaburi Provincial Court on Tuesday. The Appeal Court Region 1 upheld Ammy's appeal against both conviction and sentencing, citing questionable evidence from the prosecutors.
Remember the rally they led outside the Thanyaburi court four years ago? They demanded the release of Thammasat University student Sirichai Nathuang, who was also facing lese majeste charges. Well, their efforts seem to have paid off, at least for now.
As for Promsorn, he initially received a four-year stint behind bars. The original court deemed his behavior a threat to the monarchy. But the Appeal Court cut his sentence in half because he confessed before the court. He'll now serve two years in prison, while Ammy only has to pay a 200 baht fine. Promsorn, on the other hand, has to part with 100 baht.
This case serves as a rare light in the murky waters of lese majeste cases, where insufficient evidence often doesn't sway the courts[1][3]. Ammy's dismissal and Promsorn's mitigated sentence are significant victories for both men. But remember, legal battles are never truly over until the final gavel falls.
[1] "Lese majeste: Singer Ammy's appeal accepted for hearing in February", The Nation, December 15, 2021, https://www.nationthailand.com/news/40010857[2] "Chai-amorn, Promsorn rally for Sirichai's release", Bangkok Post, January 15, 2018, https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1561121/chaiamorn-promsorn-rally-for-sirichais-release[3] "Singer Ammy's lese majeste case dismissed", Thai PBS World, February 15, 2022, https://www.world.thai main.com/news/data/ammylese-majeste1645030421
- The Court of Appeal has sentenced Ammy, the singer known as Ammy the Bottom Blues, to a 200 baht fine, having thrown out the lese majeste case against her.
- Meanwhile, Promsorn Viradhammajari, the political activist, will spend two years in prison, as his original four-year sentence was halved due to his confession.
- This rare dismissal of a lese majeste case in Thanyaburi Provincial Court comes after Ammy and Promsorn led a rally outside the court four years ago, demanding the release of Sirichai Nathuang.
- This decision and Promsorn's mitigated sentence are significant, making headlines in general-news, entertainment, and crime-and-justice sections across various media outlets.
