Supporters offer bail for student activist in lese majeste case
High-profile figures have come forward to provide bail for Jatupat “Pai Dao Din” Boonpataraksa, a student activist who has been detained since December 22 for sharing on his Facebook account a BBC Thai article deemed insulting to the monarchy.
The non-profit Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre on Wednesday filed a petition with the Khon Kaen provincial court to seek bail for Jatupat.
According to Jatupat’s lawyer Krisadang Nucharat, the petition reasoned that the investigation into the case is complete, with the police already forwarding it to prosecutors. Jatupat, even if released, would never be able to interfere with evidences and witnesses.
The 25-year-old activist is a law student at Khon Kaen University and should be given the chance to continue his studies, Krisadang said.
Philosopher and activist Sulak Sivaraksa also joined with Jatupat’s father Viboon Boonpataraksa to contribute bail.
Other guarantors, namely peace academics Gothom Arya and Eakpant Pindavanija and ex-National Human Rights Commission member Niran Pitakwatchara, also signed a letter affirming that Jatupat would not flee from prosecution if released.