The released activists, from left to right: Rong Chhun, Kem Sokha, Yeng Vireak, Mam Sonando, and Pa Nguon Tieng (Photo: AFP)Thursday, January 18, 2007
By Duong Sokha
Cambodge Soir
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Human rights activists who were jailed after the signing of the border agreement with Vietnam based on various defamation complaints brought against them by the government lawyers, celebrated yesterday the first anniversary of their release at Kem Sokha’s Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) office. The ceremony was accompanied by prayers officiated by 4 monks, and it was also participated by other invited human rights representatives in order to maintain the memory from this past episode, and also to plead for a larger freedom of expression.
Kem Sokha, Pa Nguon Tieng, Director of the Voice of Democracy radio station belonging to CCHR, Rong Chhun, President of Cambodia Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA), Mam Sonando, Director of the Sambok Khmum (Beehive) FM radio station, and Yeng Vireak, who did not show up yesterday, were jailed one after another after the defamation complaints made by government were brought up against them.
Kem Sokha said that this commemoration does not mean that there is “any grudge against anyone in particular.” “We simply want to let the people and the International community know that we, Cambodian citizens, are still thirsty for freedom, for a true freedom which is tolerable. We will continue to resist peacefully,” Kem Sokha warned. He also called on the people in power to “think carefully before taking action, in order not to soil the image of the country,” and not to reproduce errors from the past. Even though he rejoices from being released, Yeng Vireak is worried that defamation is still not decriminalized. “We are continuing our action in view of decriminalizing defamation. And we are afraid that the number of indictments for publishing false news, and incitation to violence, is increasing. This hinders the freedom of expression,” Yeng Vireak indicated.
Rong Chhun who is also a member of the steering committee of the Free Trade Union of Workers in the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC), took the opportunity to call for the release of Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeurn who were sentenced by the court for the murder of unionist Chea Vichea, but whom civil societies claim to be innocent. Prayers for all who are unjustly incarcerated was performed, it was followed by a release of birds ceremony.
The release of the four activists took place last year, a few hours after Prime Minister Hun Sen held a meeting with Christopher Hill, the US deputy Secretary of State. The decision was displayed as a “gift” presented to Hill by Hun Sen during the inauguration of the new US embassy in Cambodia.
Kem Sokha, Pa Nguon Tieng, Director of the Voice of Democracy radio station belonging to CCHR, Rong Chhun, President of Cambodia Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA), Mam Sonando, Director of the Sambok Khmum (Beehive) FM radio station, and Yeng Vireak, who did not show up yesterday, were jailed one after another after the defamation complaints made by government were brought up against them.
Kem Sokha said that this commemoration does not mean that there is “any grudge against anyone in particular.” “We simply want to let the people and the International community know that we, Cambodian citizens, are still thirsty for freedom, for a true freedom which is tolerable. We will continue to resist peacefully,” Kem Sokha warned. He also called on the people in power to “think carefully before taking action, in order not to soil the image of the country,” and not to reproduce errors from the past. Even though he rejoices from being released, Yeng Vireak is worried that defamation is still not decriminalized. “We are continuing our action in view of decriminalizing defamation. And we are afraid that the number of indictments for publishing false news, and incitation to violence, is increasing. This hinders the freedom of expression,” Yeng Vireak indicated.
Rong Chhun who is also a member of the steering committee of the Free Trade Union of Workers in the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC), took the opportunity to call for the release of Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeurn who were sentenced by the court for the murder of unionist Chea Vichea, but whom civil societies claim to be innocent. Prayers for all who are unjustly incarcerated was performed, it was followed by a release of birds ceremony.
The release of the four activists took place last year, a few hours after Prime Minister Hun Sen held a meeting with Christopher Hill, the US deputy Secretary of State. The decision was displayed as a “gift” presented to Hill by Hun Sen during the inauguration of the new US embassy in Cambodia.
5 comments:
Yep, praying will help you
rembembered that slander is evil.
No body knows prayers could help, but when the communists like Hun Sen, Chea Sim, Heng Samrin, and Tep Vong trashing Lord Buddha's House, the prayers will go to Satan.
Well, if you don't want to pray,
just recite it to yourself
periodically, "Slander is evil,
Slander is evil, Slander is evil,
Slander is evil, ...."
That will do fine as well.
2:37 AM,
Don't lie to yourself. You are scared and worring to see millions are not happy with the Thugs Hun Sen.
All humans are sinner, just that some have less sins and some have thick sins. Yeahh the truth hurts, so all you can is accusing others for your own crimes and evil deeds.
Nope, we can't go with the millions
minority, we must go with the
millions majority. That is how
democracy work. That is the
majority choose leaders, laws,...
and what have you.
Post a Comment