BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court has sentenced a political activist to 15 years in prison for insulting the monarchy, the second such action in less than a month.

The Criminal Court on Thursday found Daranee Charnchoengsilpakul guilty of violating Thailand’s lese majeste law, which mandates a jail term of three to 15 years for anyone who “defames, insults, or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent, or the Regent.”

Daranee Charnchoengsilpakul, aka Da TorpedoDaranee Charnchoengsilpakul, aka Da Torpedo. Pic: AP.

Daranee’s sentencing for remarks in speeches at a 2008 rally came as the lese majeste law is meeting increasing criticism for being an infringement on freedom of speech and an instrument for political persecution.

Sentiment against the law increased after a 61-year-old grandfather last month received a 20-year sentence for text messages sent from his phone.