WalesOnline.co.uk
Dec 25 2008
Thai police have been urged to drop complaints against a BBC reporter accused of slandering the country's king.
BBC correspondent Jonathan Head has been accused of insulting the monarchy, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Three complaints were lodged by police Lt Col Wattanasak Mungkandee, who said he was acting in a personal capacity.
Authorities have yet to decide whether to formally charge Mr Head.
Bob Dietz of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists called on Thai authorities to halt complaints against the BBC journalist.
He said: "It is time for prosecutors and investigators in Thailand to immediately drop these outrageous and punitive charges against our colleague Jonathan Head."
"Head's reporting has raised important questions about Thailand's deteriorating political situation and he should be allowed to report without fear of official reprisals."
One complaint is related to a December 3 article in which Mr Head speculated about the relationship between the palace and the anti-government protest group that took over Bangkok's main international and domestic airports for eight days.
In the earlier complaint in May, Mr Wattanasak submitted as evidence 11 articles from the BBC website, even though some were not written by Mr Head. He also submitted a photograph of Mr Head shaking hands with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra before an interview in late 2001.
Mr Thaksin, accused of corruption and abuse of power, was ousted by a September 2006 military coup. His critics also accused him of trying to usurp royal power and being disrespectful to the king.
Dec 25 2008
Thai police have been urged to drop complaints against a BBC reporter accused of slandering the country's king.
BBC correspondent Jonathan Head has been accused of insulting the monarchy, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Three complaints were lodged by police Lt Col Wattanasak Mungkandee, who said he was acting in a personal capacity.
Authorities have yet to decide whether to formally charge Mr Head.
Bob Dietz of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists called on Thai authorities to halt complaints against the BBC journalist.
He said: "It is time for prosecutors and investigators in Thailand to immediately drop these outrageous and punitive charges against our colleague Jonathan Head."
"Head's reporting has raised important questions about Thailand's deteriorating political situation and he should be allowed to report without fear of official reprisals."
One complaint is related to a December 3 article in which Mr Head speculated about the relationship between the palace and the anti-government protest group that took over Bangkok's main international and domestic airports for eight days.
In the earlier complaint in May, Mr Wattanasak submitted as evidence 11 articles from the BBC website, even though some were not written by Mr Head. He also submitted a photograph of Mr Head shaking hands with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra before an interview in late 2001.
Mr Thaksin, accused of corruption and abuse of power, was ousted by a September 2006 military coup. His critics also accused him of trying to usurp royal power and being disrespectful to the king.
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