Alerts & Commentary News & Features Programs & Activities Publication & Resources

   NEWS & FEATURES

Australian author gets 3-year jail term in Thailand over lese majeste charges
19 January 2009

A Thai court sentenced an Australian author to three years' imprisonment for insulting a member of the royal family, media reports said.

"Tha Nation" online said Harry Nicolaides, 41, pleaded guilty to lese majeste charges, prompting the court to reduce what was originally a six-year jail term into three years instead.

Nicolaides' novel "Verisimilitude", allegedly made critical remarks on Thailand's crown prince.

Lese majeste is a criminal offense in Thailand.

He was arrested on August 31, 2008 in Suvarnabhumi International Airport, shortly before he was to board a flight back to his country.

In an interview shortly after his arrest, Nicolaides issued a public apology.

 

Founding members: AJI CMFR ISAI PCIJ TJA

  Copyright@ 2003 Southeast Asian Press Alliance. All rights reserved.

  MORE NEWS

Media, opposition party under fire from Cambodia’s strongman
Race and religion influence Malaysia's media policies
Indonesian journalists prepare for more legislative battles
Ampatuan Massacre a portent of more unpleasant things to come?
Polarizing colors in Thailand continue to put free expression to the test

KeywordAdvanced Search
Fellowship 2006 Programes
Fellowship 2006 Programes
Fellowship 2006 Programes
Fellowship 2005 Programes
Fellowship 2004 Programes
Fellowship 2003 Programes
Fellowship 2002 Programes
Write to SEAPA