HRF strongly condemns the Thai Criminal Court’s sentencing of human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa under Article 112 for advocating for reforms to the monarchy. This ruling brings his total sentence to more than 30 years.

Prosecutors accused Arnon and other defendants of failing to notify officials as legally required before organizing a 2,000-person gathering and of continuing their demonstration despite orders to disperse. They claimed that the speeches made at the protest led others to misunderstand the king and the monarchy.

Arnon is one of the most prominent figures in Thailand’s youth-led pro-democracy movement, and he has called for reform of the monarchy and a new constitution. The movement has faced heavy repression and the use of restrictive laws against its leaders and participants, forcing some activists into exile.

Thailand often uses Article 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lèse-majesté or royal defamation law, to silence dissent. According to @TLHR2014, more than 280 people have been charged under the law. HRF calls for Arnon Nampa’s immediate and unconditional release.