Court dismisses Chamlong libel suit against Jatuporn
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The Criminal Court yesterday cited a lack of cause while dismissing the defamation litigation between two political rivals - Chamlong Srimuang and Jatuporn Promphan.
People’s Alliance for Democracy co-leader Chamlong sued Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn
for libel in connection with the PAD-led street protests on the Preah Vihear Temple dispute.
Jatuporn gave an interview last November, saying the PAD had cited the dispute as a
pretext to instigate trouble. Chamlong retaliated by charging Jatuporn with insult.
The court ruled, however, that the case did not merit a judicial review because Chamlong and Jatuporn exchanged their critical remarks about one another as part of the political process to debate issues in the public interests, including the border dispute.
Jatuporn aired his disapproval of the PAD-led protests which could not be construed as malicious insult against Chamlong, the court said in its ruling.
