Cambodian PM Hun Sen is defiant in the face of international criticism

29/12/2005 08:16:31 AEST Cambodian PM defiant

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is defiant in the face of
international criticism over the sentencing in absentia of opposition
leader Sam Rainsy.

Sam Rainsy, who fled to France earlier this year, has convicted in his
absence, of defaming Hun Sen and National Assembly president Prince
Norodom Ranariddh.

Mr Rainsy was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Prime Minister Hun Sen rejected accusations that he used the judicial
system to silence his critics.

The European Union, the United States and Amnesty International have
all noted that democratic principles in Cambodia were deteriorating.

ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia

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