The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the lower courts' sentencing of red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan to six months in jail, suspended for two years, and a fine of 50,000 baht for defaming former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva six years ago.
According to the lawsuit filed by Mr Abhisit on March 15, 2010, Jatuporn, a leading member of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, in a speech to red-shirt protesters that was broadcast live on People Channel satellite television station between Jan 29 - Feb 15, 2010, accused him of dodging military conscription and issuing an order to the military to kill protesters.
Mr Abhisit said Jatuporn made the false accusations that damaged his reputation, violating Sections 328, 326 and 332 of the Criminal Code.
Jatuporn denied the charges.
The Criminal Court ruled that Jatuporn had honestly criticised Mr Abhisit with his draft dodging allegation as the matter was not clear to the public, but found him guilty of defaming the former prime minister in claiming he ordered the military to kill protesters.
The court sentenced Jatuporn to six months in jail and a 50,000 baht fine. The prison term was suspended for two years.
The Criminal Court's ruling was upheld by the Appeals Court .
The Supreme Court today confirmed the lower courts' rulings.
Jatuporn said Mr Abhisit had filed four cases against him and the remaining cases were now with the appellate and Supreme courts. He said he would respect the courts' decisions.