Singer Ammy Successfully Argues for Dropping Lese Majeste Accusation
Let's Set the Record Straight:
The Court of Appeal has brought some relief to singer Ammy the Bottom Blues and political activist Promsorn Viradhammajari, who were embroiled in a lese majeste case. The Appeal Court's verdict, announced in Thanyaburi Provincial Court on Tuesday, dismissed the charges against Ammy and reduced the sentence for Promsorn.
Ammy, famous for his bluesy tunes, was initially charged following a speech and song he performed at a rally outside the provincial court in Pathum Thani on January 14, 2021. The rally called for the release of fellow protester, Thammasat University student Sirichai Nathuang, also facing lese majeste accusations. This time around, the Appeal Court ruled in his favor, citing questionable evidence from the prosecutors as the basis for its decision. Ammy was hit with a 200 baht fine, a small price to pay compared to the potential four-year prison term he was facing.
Promsorn, on the other hand, initially received a four-year prison sentence for his role in the rally. The court deemed his actions as a threat to the monarchy. However, the Appeal Court decided to show leniency and reduced his sentence by half because he confessed before the court. Promsorn ended up paying a 100 baht fine.[1][3]
These transformative decisions underscore the intricacies of the Thai justice system, especially when it comes to cases related to the monarchy, which carry severe consequences if convicted. The legal battle for Ammy and Promsorn isn't over just yet, but this ruling presents a glimmer of hope in a challenging situation.[1]
Remember, this is just a brief summary of the events. For a more comprehensive understanding, it's always a good idea to delve deeper into the facts and context surrounding the case.[1]
[1] enrichment data inserted for additional context.
- Contrary to initial sentencing, the Court of Appeal reduced Ammy the Bottom Blues' potential four-year prison term to a 200 baht fine.
- Political activist Promsorn Viradhammajari's four-year prison sentence was also reduced by half after the Appeal Court acknowledged his confession before the court.
- In Thanyaburi Provincial Court, the Appeal Court dismissed the lese majeste charges against Ammy and ruled in his favor, citing questionable evidence from the prosecutors.
- The ruling on Ammy and Promsorn's lese majeste case highlights the complexities in the Thai justice system, especially with cases related to politics and the monarchy.
