THAILAND – U.K. activist Andy Hall was found guilty yesterday by a Thai court, and sentenced for defamation and computer crimes in a case involving Natural Fruit. Hall was given a three-year suspended jail term and fined 150,000 baht ($4,300). 

The sentence comes after a nearly four-year-long court battle in Bangkok for Hall’s role in publically announcing the alleged abuse which occurred at pineapple-processing plant Natural Fruit in Thailand.

Hall initially contributed to a report called “Cheap Has a High Price” by Finnish watchdog group Finnwatch, and named the fruit company as one who confiscated its workers passports, and placed them in unfavorable conditions with low wages.

The court handed down the sentence in Natural Fruit’s favor after the company denied Hall’s allegations and presented evidence that government inspectors had performed routine visits to the factory and found no serious issues.

The BBC reported that despite exhibiting research notes, photos, and witnesses to the court, Hall was still sentenced with a guilty verdict for Defamation, as well as violating the Computer Crimes Act as the report was posted online. Hall was living in Thailand when charged by Natural Fruit, giving Thai courts jurisdiction. 

The BBC stated that this was not Natural Fruit’s first time being criticized over labor conditions for its migrant workers. Additionally, Hall told the publication that he believed the ruling to be unjust, but was grateful for the international attention the case brought the issue.

A British embassy spokesman told BBC that it would raise the matter with Thai authorities. Hall’s jail term was suspended for two years, so he will not need to immediately serve his sentence.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report as this and other relevant industry issues unfold.