23 January 2012

Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) is deeply concerned and disappointed over the verdict of Thai’s court today that sentence Thai Labor activist Somyot Pruksakasemsuk to 10 years of imprisonment for charges under the Article 112 of the Criminal Code (the lèse-majesté law) and another one more year of imprisonment for a violation of printing act in 2009, totaling 11 years of jail term.

PSM is in the view that those charges and convictions of Somyot are political motivated which aimed to suppress the right to freedom of expression and activism of political dissidents that not adhere to the will of ruling elite in Thailand.

The prosecution and conviction of Somyot are regressive and push the country back to middle ages. Such persecution against political activist is devastating to the democratic process in Thailand.

One political prisoner is one too many. PSM calls upon the authority of Thailand to free all political prisoners including Somyot, and abolish the repressive lèse-majesté law.

Released by,
Choo Chon Kai
Central Committee Member
Socialist Party of Malaysia / Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)