Activists pressing for the release of a 48-year-old woman sentenced to 15 years of prison for picking wild mushrooms are optimistic about her chances for release.
Daeng Sirisorn of Kalasin province along with her husband Udom Sirisorn, 51, were arrested in July 2010 on suspicion of illegally plucking mushrooms from the protected forest. They were later convicted of illegally logging but receieved only half of the original 30-year penalty due to their confession. A lawyer helping the couple has cited many irregularities in the proceedings and has requested review by the court.
Their situation caught the attention of sympathetic Thais, who began an online campaign featuring pleas for their release written on their hands. Udom has since been released on THB500,000 bail due to health problems.
Tomorrow their lawyer will file an appeal for Daeng’s release on bail to care for her ailing husband.
“Udom has a hearing problem and is unable to walk properly,” according to attorney Songkran Atchariyasap. “He’s also sick and needs treatment from an accident in which he was hit by a truck and sustained a brain hemorrhage.”
Udom said he hopes to be reunited with his wife soon.
“Actually I still can’t get over it, I still cry almost everyday,” he said. “[But] today I feel hopeful that now many people are trying to help us.”
A decision on the bail application is expected as soon as Wednesday, The Nation reported.
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