Court acquits Sondhi of lese majeste
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The Criminal Court yesterday found yellow-shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul not guilty of lese majeste, saying he had no intention of defaming the monarchical institution when he cited comments by Daranee Chancherngsilpakul that were earlier deemed insultin
Sondhi cited Daranee’s words at a People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) rally on July 20, 2008, two days after Daranee was sentenced to 18 years in prison. She remains incarcerated.
The court said Sondhi had only selected parts of a speech by Daranee, also known as “Da Torpedo”, and summarised them for his supporters.
Sondhi later told the media that there is a campaign whose goal is to see him put behind bars by any means. He said he is facing dozens of legal charges but has never once blamed the court.
“I thank the court for the acquittal verdict. I am not elated, because I adhere to the rule of law. Disputes in society end in the court, and if some of my other cases go on to the Supreme Court [and I am found guilty], I will gracefully walk into jail and will not run away – not in a single case,” said the 62-year-old.
Sondhi’s lawyer said he believed the prosecutor would take the case to the Appeal Court within the 30-day limit, but was not concerned by the prospect.
