An American who went to jail for disparaging a hotel in Thailand online apologized profusely as part of a deal to avoid prosecution, in an episode that laid bare that country’s harsh defamation laws.
Tag: Libel and Slander
American Could Face Prison in Thailand Over Negative Reviews of a Resort
The man was arrested under Thailand’s criminal defamation law, which has been used to silence critics and stifle dissent. The hotel that brought charges acknowledges that using the law might be “excessive.”
Protests Take On Thailand’s Monarchy, Despite Laws Banning Such Criticism
The rare questioning of Thailand’s royal family comes as student-led demonstrations have gained momentum, testing the government and the boundaries of strict lèse-majesté laws.
Filipino Journalist Maria Ressa Convicted of Libel
The conviction of Ms. Ressa, a critic of President Rodrigo Duterte and his violent drug war, is the latest blow to press freedoms in the country.
Founder of 8chan Faces Arrest on ‘Cyberlibel’ Charge
Fredrick Brennan, who founded the site that has given visibility to violent extremists, gave up control of it in 2015 and has criticized 8chan’s current leader.
They Said #MeToo. Now They Are Being Sued.
A growing number of men in China are using defamation lawsuits to counter claims of sexual harassment. Women are thinking twice about speaking out.
Australian Booksellers Block Sales of Ronan Farrow’s Book
“Catch and Kill” was pulled from two of Australia’s biggest online book retailers amid legal threats from the former National Enquirer editor who features prominently in the book.
Journalist Behind France’s #MeToo Movement Loses Defamation Case
Sandra Muller started #BalanceTonPorc, or #ExposeYourPig, when she accused a former TV executive of making crude comments to her. He admitted the comments but denied harassment.
Myanmar Military Uses Threat of Prison to Stifle Criticism Ahead of Elections
The military, known for its brutal ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people, is using defamation laws to solidify its authority ahead of parliamentary elections next year.
Yael Stone Is Identified as ‘Witness X’ in Geoffrey Rush Defamation Case
Evidence from Ms. Stone, who has accused Mr. Rush, the actor, of inappropriate behavior, was kept out of the trial of his defamation suit against an Australian news outlet.