CCHR's Kem Sokha Arrested

The following is a summary of events leading to the arrest of Mr. Kem Sokha, President of Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR), provided by Ms. Theary Seng from Phnom Penh.

Saturday, December 31, 2005
Phnom Penh

Human Rights Leader, Kem Sokha, Arrested on Charges of Defamation

This morning around 10.20, ten policemen both in uniforms and plainclothes, entered the premises of the Cambodian Center of Human Rights (CCHR). Some entered into the building to search, while the rest stood guard on the premises, centrally situated in Phnom Penh's busy neighborhood of other NGOs and residences, across from the Asia Foundation. Outside and cordoning the neighborhood stood an undetermined number of other police forces.

[ I was amidst preparation to meet a few friends for a nice New Year's Eve lunch when I was informed of the arrest... I took a motodop to Tuol Kork where the Kems live, only to find the house vacant save 2 frightened houseguards. When I visited the CCHR, it was still crowded with onlookers, journalists and staff. The staff were visibly upset and tear-stained, breaking down afresh to commiserate with me. Spokesperson Ou Virak updated me of the situation. ]

Around 10.40, the police asked to see Mr. Kem Sokha. [I first met Kem Sokha in 1995 over dinner with Lauk Ta Son Sann and his family, at the introduction of my visiting Toulouse uncle.] The staff requested a reason. Silence. The staff persisted into the reason and whether they have an arrest warrant.

Around 11, the police force built up outside and they blocked roads on both sides leading to the CCHR.

Around 11.15, the police prevented people from entering the premises, including the UN Office for Human Rights representative Margo and British Ambassador Reading.

Around 1.30, the police lead Kem Sokha outside, read the arrest warrant and took him to the Municipal Court of Phnom Penh, located near the Olympic Stadium. Kem Sokha was accompanied by his wife and his attorney Som Chandina to the court. Another car full of his staff also followed behind.

The charge is defamation. Stemming most likely from 2 banners of December 10, one reading "I will not vote for anyone who intimidates me." Nothing more specific than this can be obtained from the staff.

This arrest on charges of defamation is only one in a recent string of defamation arrests, ie radio owner Mam Sonando, teacher union leader Rong Chhun (another friend), opposition parliamentarian In Channy, with arrest warrants out for union and student movement leaders. With many if not all of these cases, the accused is charged criminally, using an UNTAC provision. Needless to say, the arrests are producing the desired chilling effect.

[ In light of the upcoming KR Tribunal whereby the UN personnel are setting up camp in February, which villager-witness will not be chilled into silence, if someone as well-known internationally like Kem Sokha can be arrested ?! ]

This Saturday morning, CCHR held its monthly regional directors' meeting (about 30 presence from the different provinces).

The timing could not be more favorable... save for Princess Nana's wedding and thus those who came/stayed for it, everyone else is on vacation and celebrating New Year's Eve.

Kem Sokha's 2 daughters (one a friend) left for the States last night; the fortunate timing is accidental. As I write, they are still flying and most likely do not yet know of the their father's arrest.

When will my beloved Cambodia learn from its past ?! The country is committing suicide AGAIN !!

I exhort the international community and friends of Cambodia to action. Please forward the message.

Deeply upset and concern,
Theary