Demands to include crimes against the monarchy in the new amnesty bill

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Two political groups have called upon a special House committee to consider including breaches of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also referred to as the lese majeste law, in future proposals for amnesty laws. They want opposition to those behind the coup to be recognized, rather than opposition to the monarchy itself.

 

The Peace and Harmony Organisation along with the June 24 Democracy groups submitted their proposition jointly to Chaithawat Tulathon, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and a member of the committee.

 

Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, representing the two groups, vocalized worries that the committee might not fully understand the negative implications of enforcing such a law, which he described as indefensible. He believes the law contradicts democratic values and freedom of speech.

 

Activist Kiattichai Tangpornphan pointed out that the lese majeste law, or Section 112, was a critical contributor to political discord, often misused to silence or discredit those with alternative views or ideologies. The number of lese majeste cases usually increases after crucial political events, such as military coups, indicating the law's misuse, he noted.

 

“Once charged with a lese majeste offense, some suspects get bail while others do not, even though all suspects should have equal rights," said Kiattichai.

 

 

Kiattichai highlighted that individuals charged often oppose the coup leaders rather than the monarchy. These individuals criticize coup leaders for using their allegiance to the monarchy to justify their authoritarian rule.

 

He mentioned that the special House committee consists of members with varied viewpoints on whether to include lese majeste offenses in the amnesty bill.

 

“They are still working to define the scope of the amnesty committee’s authority, to decide who should and who shouldn’t be given amnesty when the bill is passed," he said.

 

Chaithawat agreed with the activist's view, stating the lese majeste law gains more interest following a coup.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-06-28

 

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