2 Thai pro-democracy activists released on bail

Two jailed leaders of a student-led pro-democracy movement that attracted both support and controversy last year when it called for reform of Thailand’s monarchy have been released after repeated requests for bail

BANGKOK -- Two jailed leaders of a student-led pro-democracy movement that attracted both support and controversy last year when it called for reform of Thailand’s monarchy were released Tuesday after repeated requests for bail. The Criminal Court freed Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak and singer Chaiamorn Kaewwiboonpan, who are are both charged with lese majeste, defaming the monarchy. Parit had been hospitalized after starting a hunger strike in jail. They were freed after their lawyers requested bail 10 times and eight times, respectively. The lese majeste law carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison per count.