A Swiss man has been jailed for 10 years for insulting the King of Thailand.
Earlier this month 57-year-old Oliver Jufer pleaded guilty to five charges of insulting King Bhumibol Adulyadej - breaking the countries lèse majesté law.
Jufer admitted drunkenly spraying graffiti across posters of the country’s revered monarch.
Judge Phitsanu Tanbukalee said: ‘This is a serious crime, and he was sentenced to four years for each of five counts, for a total of 20 years.
‘Because he confessed, the court has reduced his sentence to 10 years.’ Jufer - who has lived in Thailand for over 10 years - could have been given the maximum sentence of 75 years in jail.
The lèse majesté laws prevent free discussion of the monarchy and have previously come under criticism for their ability to be misused.
Feuding politicians sometimes even accuse each other of lèse majesté.
Police reports state Jufer was drunk on December 5 last year when shop staff refused to sell him alcohol as it was King Bhumibol’s birthday and a public holiday when sales are barred.
In anger he bought two spray cans and defaced posters of the sacred king.
In Thailand the king’s portrait is everywhere and cinema audiences must stand for the king’s anthem before every film.
Other people have been charged with similar offences in the past but have been expelled from the country, rather than jailed.
© bangshowbiz.biz
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