A landmark judgment issued by the Bangkok Criminal Court saved five activists from the grim possibility of being imprisoned for years or even the death penalty.
The activists were accused of obstructing the Queen‘s motorcade at a protest on the 14th of October 2020 – actions regarded by the law as intended “to harm the liberty of the Queen, the heir apparent and the Regent.”
As the investigation of the matter deepened, the court later ruled that examination of the evidence showed the public was not aware that there will be an incoming royal motorcade and the defendants were likely unable to see it approaching due to the heavy presence of the police surrounding the cars.
Police officers at the scene told the crowd to make way for a royal motorcade but failed to mention it was the Queen’s.
The protesters briefly blocked the way but backed off once they realized the motorcade was there.
The court eventually concluded the incident was likely caused by miscommunication and not an intentional attempt to block the royal motorcade.
People in the courtroom clapped and cheered upon hearing the defendants were finally acquitted by the possibility of severe punishments.
The defendants on the other hand thanked the court for providing a just and fair ruling on the matter.
If found guilty, the defendants could have faced a minimum sentence of 16 years in prison while maximum sentences included life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
