Thai appeal court upholds libel verdict sentence against former premier Samak
25/9/2008 17:20
Thailand's Court of Appeals today upheld a verdict and the sentence of a
two-year jail term against former prime minister Samak Sundaravej for libel
charge.
Samak and co-defendant Dusit Siriwan were convicted by the Criminal
Court last year for defamation against former deputy Bangkok governor Samart
Ratchapholsit while they hosted a talk show.
"The two defendants are leading
figures with political experience who knew that their opinions could sway the
public, yet they have repeatedly aired their malicious views via television
although the judiciary has granted a number of opportunities for remorse and
reform," the Court of Appeals said in its verdict today, citing the reason to
reject a petition for leniency in the sentence, according to a report by The
Nation.
The two had been accused of insinuating that Samart was linked to
bidding irregularities in 2006. Last year's conviction involved four counts of
making libel remarks against Samart. They were both sentenced to six months in
jail for each count, making a total of two years.
The two defendants have the
right to make a final appeal petition with the Supreme Court within 30
days.
Samart said he would file a civil suit demanding 100 million baht
(US$2.94 million) following the completion of the appellate process.
Samak
remained quiet about the court verdict today.
The case brought the former
premier back to spotlight after he was forced to step down as prime minister
after a Constitutional Court in early September found him guilty of breaching
the charter by hosting a TV cooking show with pay while in office.
Xinhua
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