Update: Unconfirmed reports are that Darunee has been placed in solitary confinement.
Prachatai (10 September 2009: “Da Torpedo’s life behind bars”) has a detailed story on Darunee Charnchoensilpakul in prison. We won’t detail the report, but highlight a coupple of points.
Along with the lese majeste charge that resulted in an 18 year sentence, Darunee was accused of insulting and defaming 2006 coup conspirator General Saprang Kanlayanamitr. Asked in court about this, she replied: “I didn’t address Gen Saprang alone, but also Gen Sonthi, Gen Prem, Gen Vinai, and many others who were involved [in the coup].”
Initially, she was depressed when arrested and locked up, “complaining that the politicians she supported did not offer any help as she had expected.” She said it “would have been better if I had been arrested under the junta’s rule. But this is our government [Samak Sundaravej].” She added, “It’s sad that I am locked up under a democratically elected government.”
While things for her have deteriorated in prison since her conviction, Darunee says: “I don’t have high hopes. I just want my case to serve as a historical record for the next generations to learn from, like the case of Pridi [Phanomyong].”
Contact Darunee with postcards to:
The Central Women’s Prison, Klong Prem,
Ngarm Wong Wan Road,
Lat Yaow, Chatuchak
Bangkok 10900
Note that cards that include political comment wil be kept by the warders.
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