Thai court finds British activist guilty of defamation

BANGKOK – A Thai court has found a British labor activist guilty of defaming a fruit canning company, and given him a suspended prison sentence.

Bangkok South Criminal Court found Andy Hall guilty Tuesday of criminal defamation against Natural Fruit Company Ltd. in connection with a report he researched for the Finnish consumer agency Finnwatch that alleged labor abuses at the company's facilities.

He was also found guilty of violating the Computer Crimes Act because the information was posted on the Internet.

He was given a suspended sentence of three years with a probationary period of two years, and a fine of 150,000 baht ($4,300). He is expected to appeal the ruling. Two civil suits by the company against him are pending.