Verdict in Sondhi’s ‘Finland Declaration’ defamation case involving Thaksin delayed
THE SUPREME Court yesterday postponed its verdict in a defamation case against media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul and other key members of the now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy who accused ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his Thai Rak Thai Party of attempting to overthrow Thai democracy following the so-called “Finland Declaration”.
Sondhi, currently serving a 20-year sentence for fraud, and the others organised a forum titled “Finland Declaration, Thai Rak Thai’s political strategy” in May 2006 at Thammasat University. The event was broadcast via ASTV and the Manager website, leading to accusations of defamation.
The Justice and Appeals Court dismissed the charge, saying Sondhi and the other accused had made their remarks as citizens criticising the government’s work.
The Supreme Court was scheduled to rule yesterday, but postponed its verdict until next month because one of the defendants was ill.
