Lawsuit Versus Sam Rainsy Worries AmbassadorBy Chiep Mony, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
07 May 2008
US Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli said Tuesday he was concerned a suit filed against the opposition leader by the foreign minister could have an affect on the general elections in July.
Foreign Minister Hor Namhong is suing Sam Rainsy for disparaging remarks the opposition leader allegedly made at an April 17 public rally.
“As a general principle, the United States strongly believes that defamation and disinformation should never be criminal cases,” the ambassador said after a vitamin distribution in Kampong Thom province.
Hor Namhong dismissed questions about the suit by reporters Wednesday, asking them to let the court do its work.
If found guilty Sam Rainsy could face a fine for defamation but imprisonment for disinformation.
Foreign Minister Hor Namhong is suing Sam Rainsy for disparaging remarks the opposition leader allegedly made at an April 17 public rally.
“As a general principle, the United States strongly believes that defamation and disinformation should never be criminal cases,” the ambassador said after a vitamin distribution in Kampong Thom province.
Hor Namhong dismissed questions about the suit by reporters Wednesday, asking them to let the court do its work.
If found guilty Sam Rainsy could face a fine for defamation but imprisonment for disinformation.
18 comments:
defamation and disinformation should never be criminal cases.
It shall always be a civil case and never be a criminal case.
The CPP will politicize it at some point where they see fit. For the CPP is all about politics not about the Khmer people. It does not matter how much the Cambodian deserve, the CPP simply don't care but their party. Is this the kind of party you want in your government?
That is the laws of the land of your country, Mr Ambassador, but the laws of the land of Hun Xen is different. I don't know much different, but from what I believe it is different.
Gentleman
Culture of social flashy classes is no longer relevant to cambodia.
Ethics is the key to improve our way of life, along with global changes of economy, technology...etc in order to improve cambodian standard of living.
As it is suggested by HE Ambassador, it should be civil case logically. It is not to protect the high classes with NO nobelty. Human rights is where to focus.
In fact, anyone who is in public positions is obliged to provide explanation to public inquiry.
And please do NOT take public position as your own, and ABUSE it.
We, cambodians are no longer manipulated by these WRONG behavour.
Public interest and private interest are not mixed.
Please consider
Neang SA
If Hor Nam Hong is still the foreign minister, we will not able to find witneses because people are scared.
So If we want a real justice, we must replace Hor Nam Hong first.
The law on Defamation and Libel, Article 63, of the United Nations Transitional Authority (UNTAC) was written by foreign lawyers coming from a Civil Law tradition which treats defamation as a crime. The National Assembly, adopted the UNTAC law and it has been the criminal law in use-and will be- until a new criminal law is enacted by the National Assembly and Senate.
Since the passage of Article 63, people who believe that their “honor or reputation” has been damaged by written or spoken words filed a lawsuit in the Cambodia court. Since defamation and libel are crimes under UNTAC, the prosecutor has no choice but to file as an alleged crime. The good thing is that those who felt defamed, turned to the rule of law rather that so extra-judicial means. A few months back the PM statd that the UNTAC law needs to be changed to make Article 63 a civil matter- not a crime, however, it must be done through a law passed by the NA and Senate. Unfortunately since it’s passage by the NA, Article 63 has been used by some as a way to get rid of opponents- political or business rivals and that’s why it needs to be de-criminalized.
If this case will be made a "criminal case" it can only BE MADE by criminal himself !
And if it made a criminal case, then there shouldn't be any court period! Might as well, just let everyone hangs everyone if they chose too. ?
These are the action of so called " high official " ? What a flip flop world , or flip flop mind. Where does one obtain such backward education ?
TIME FOR A CHANCE, VOTE FOR THOSE WHO WORK FOR YOU AND NOT THOSE WHO OPPRESSES YOU AND YOUR COUNTRY.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT, VOICE YOUR HEARD.
cambodia have no law..if there's one it just to manipulate the world. cambodia has only one man rule and it's just from whar ever the yuon tell him to do.
Sam Rainsy is a member of the Khmer Bar so he knows the UNTAC criminal law and specifically Article 63 which he has also used to file lawsuit against others as well as being the defendant in such cases.
Why only duch and hong need to lock up, many gov official kill 2000 people each. wonder why ECCC need more fundsss$$$$$$.
The U.S should do something to get rid of the Viet-controlled government in Phnom Penh...
Since Cambodia is lead by a lawless idiot priminister, the only one solution to the calling change is ASSASSINATION !
Sam Rainsy is accountable for his crime of accusing people of being killers. His motive is clear. He does it during the election period for political gain out of desperation because his party is falling apart.
AH KHMAUCH Hor Nam Hong's dick sucker must put in jail.
Nonsense, Hor NamHong was a victim of Ah Sam Rainsy savage attack.
For the good of the readers and Cambodia, KI-Media should put this Viet troller parasite @ 12:26 PM and 3:20PM on a leash now!
UNTAC never help Cambodian it helped only the excommunist kller like Hun Sen and shihanouk!
To help Cambodian UNTAC should reforme the police, army, and justice! So real hopless Cambodian can have time to stand up to embarase real democracy!
No thank UN! you put our live as a nation deeper in shit!
That is because Hun Sen and Sihanouk are good guys.
Post a Comment