Defamation charges are dropped against activists except in Sam Rainsy case

Cambodian PM to drop defamation charges against critics Cambodia
In Depth

Journalist Mam Sonando (left) was released from prison last week. [AFP]
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered the courts to drop
defamation charges against five human rights activists.

The decision follows growing international pressure over a crackdown on
dissent in Cambodia.

The prime minister says the five men have apologised for accusing him
of selling land to neighbouring Vietnam.

"Their letters were enough for me to end the case," he said.

Four of the five were freed on bail last week following a visit to
Phnom Penh by a senior US official.

They include Kem Sokha, head of the US-funded Cambodian Centre for
Human Rights (CCHR), and his deputy, Pa Nguon Teang.

Both were charged with defamation in connection with a banner at a
December human rights rally that labelled Hun Sen a communist and a
traitor who had sold off land to Vietnam.

The other two men released - radio station owner Mam Sonando and
teachers' union head Rong Chhun - had also commented on the frontier
with Vietnam.

Yeng Vireak, a legal activist affiliated with the CCHR, had been
released earlier on bail.

International rights groups and foreign governments had demanded the
charges against political critics be dropped, and criticised Hun Sen's
administration for using the courts to crush its opponents.

No change in Sam Rainsy case

A defamation conviction against opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, who has
fled to France, will not be reviewed.

He was sentenced in absentia to 18 months in prison.

Hun Sen says he would ask the courts to drop charges against critics
who have fled abroad if they apologised.

"I don't want to face off with anybody," he said.

"I would like to have compromise rather than conflict."

ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia

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