Thai news editor Nut Rungwong has been jailed for libeling Thailand’s king, the Associated Press reported.
He didn’t actually write the 2009 article in question; Giles Ji Ungpakorn did. Ungpakorn is also charged with libel, but fled for the United Kingdom, the Committee to Protect Journalists says.
Rungwong, who pleaded guilty, received a 4.5 year sentence last month. His website, Thai E-News, is “now blocked by censors,” the AP reported.
The ruling was made by a military court, Australia’s News.com.au reported.
Back in 2011, iMediaEthics reported on Thailand’s lèse-majesté laws, which criminalize libeling Thailand’s royal family.
“Thailand’s lese majeste law is considered the harshest in the world, with those accused of defaming, insulting or threatening the monarchy facing jail terms ranging from three to 15 years,” News.com.au added.