WORLD BRIEFING / AUSTRALIA
Times Wire Reports
An Australian author imprisoned last month for insulting Thailand’s crown prince in a little-read 2005 novel has been freed, the Australian government said today.
The case against Harry Nicolaides, 41, who received a three-year term, was one of a slew of investigations involving lese-majeste, or insulting the monarchy, that rights groups say are stifling freedom of speech and political dissent.
Lese-majeste is a serious offense in Thailand, where many people regard King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 81, as semi-divine.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
