Da Torpedo was acquitted on a charge of besieging the ASTV office, but was fined for insulting Sondhi Limthongkul.
On July 28, Bangkok South Criminal Court ruled on the charges against Daranee Charnchoengsilapakul or Da Torpedo of instigating unrest, detaining others, damaging property, trespass and defamation, in an incident on 1 June 2007, when she led a group of about 50-70 red shirts to protest at the ASTV office on Phra Athit Road.
The court acquitted her on the charge of besieging the ASTV office, but found her guilty of defaming Sondhi Limthongkul, owner of the ASTV station and co-leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy.
However, the fine of 50,000 baht does not need to be paid because her time in prison has already exceeded the punishment. She must remain in Klong Prem Prison pending trial for lèse majesté for which she has been detained for one year already without bail.
On the same day, the court also held a hearing on the lèse majesté case, in which Asst Prof Suthachai Yimprasert, history lecturer from Chulalongkorn University, testified as a defence witness.
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