Human rights activist Andy Hall has been ordered to pay 10 million baht (US$320,000) in damages to Thai pineapple company Natural Fruit Co.

The case relates to an interview Andy Hall gave to broadcaster Al-Jazeera English in Myanmar in April 2013. 

Hass also contributed to a reported published by Finnish NGO Finnwatch, which alleges serious human rights violations at the company. The allegations include accusations of employing underage workers and the company confiscating passports from Myanmar migrant workers.

The court had previously dismissed this civil defamation case due to a lack of jurisdiction, but following an appeal by Natural Fruit the Appeals Court ordered them to hear the case in full.

The case has been ongoing for over five years, but when it was reopened both the prosecution and the defense re-submitted previous witness testimonies.

Finnwatch executive director said: "We are absolutely appalled by today's ruling".

"The decision restricts freedom of expression and prevents exposing human rights violations".

She added that "the Thai justice system continues to be used to swamp human rights defenders with endless court cases. It's an effective way to prevent all public criticism towards companies."

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