Thai Party Legal Advisor: Samak Qualified As PM Despite Libel Conviction

Text of report in English by Thai newspaper The Nation website on 26 December

[Unattributed "Hot" report: "Samak qualified as prime minister despite libel conviction: Chusak"]

People Power Party legal adviser Chusak Sirinil said on Wednesday that his party leader Samak Sundaravej was qualified to serve as prime minister even though he was sentenced in April to serve two years in jail following his conviction for defamation.

Samak was freed on bail pending the appellate review on the libel lawsuit filed by former Bangkok deputy governor Samart Ratchapholsit.

“The litigation on libel is classified as a misdemeanour, hence an exemption as the disqualification applies only to a felony,” Chusak said.

Originally published by The Nation website, Bangkok, in English 26 Dec 07.

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