Prime Minister breaks promise to drop defamation charge against Mom Sonando

CAMBODIA - 30 January 2006

Reporters Without Borders voiced dismay at Prime Minister Hun Sen’s announcement today that defamation charges will not, after all, be dropped against radio journalist Mom Sonando, union leader Rong Chhun and human rights activists Kem Sokha and Pa Nguon Tieng.

Hun Sen said the court had ruled that it was “impossible” to withdraw the lawsuits as legal investigations were already under way. “Suspension is possible only if the case has not yet entered its investigation phase, so neither suspension nor withdrawal is possible,” he said.

Last week, Hun Sen said he had finally decided to withdraw the lawsuits after receiving letters of apology. U.S. ambassador Joseph Mussomeli commented at the time : “We are very happy with what has happened. It is something the international community should applaud.”