US Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)By Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Original report from Washington
08 August 2008
A US congressman warned this week the killers of opposition journalist Khim Sambor should be brought to justice.
"Whoever killed him needs to be held accountable," said Representative Christopher Smith, a Republican. If those who did the killing were under instruction from an official, "that individual needs to be held accountable as well."
Kim Sambor was gunned down with his son on a Phnom Penh street July 11, two weeks ahead of national elections. No one has been arrested in the murder, which opposition reporters said created a chilling effect on their coverage of the government and the ruling Cambodian People's Party.
The Cambodian people should not have to tolerate such unresolved murders, Smith said, calling on Prime Minister Hun Sen to "do everything to cooperate" and go "wherever" the investigation leads.
The US said earlier this week the FBI had been asked to help investigate the murder.
Smith, who works closely with human rights issues, said public officials should be open to criticism, "because that's how you hold them accountable."
"I don't like it when I am criticized, but I know it's part of a larger and very important principle," he said.
Twelve journalists have been killed in Cambodia since 1994, but no suspects have been arrested in the crimes.
"Whoever killed him needs to be held accountable," said Representative Christopher Smith, a Republican. If those who did the killing were under instruction from an official, "that individual needs to be held accountable as well."
Kim Sambor was gunned down with his son on a Phnom Penh street July 11, two weeks ahead of national elections. No one has been arrested in the murder, which opposition reporters said created a chilling effect on their coverage of the government and the ruling Cambodian People's Party.
The Cambodian people should not have to tolerate such unresolved murders, Smith said, calling on Prime Minister Hun Sen to "do everything to cooperate" and go "wherever" the investigation leads.
The US said earlier this week the FBI had been asked to help investigate the murder.
Smith, who works closely with human rights issues, said public officials should be open to criticism, "because that's how you hold them accountable."
"I don't like it when I am criticized, but I know it's part of a larger and very important principle," he said.
Twelve journalists have been killed in Cambodia since 1994, but no suspects have been arrested in the crimes.
12 comments:
I agree and fully support Mr Smith statement. I did make many statement already that all politician must dare to face with critism. If any politician cannot accept it as a principle of democracy, he and she must resign and stay out from politic. THe same for any politician being alleged for any wrong doing in the past such as Hor Nam Hong who was alleged to be involved with Boeung Trabek, should be resigned for a full investigation and shouldn't be the candidate of this year election while the investigation is still carry on. If he has elected while his investigation is still on, he should be forced to resign and another party list member should be replaced to the last list. Cambodian should learn that, to develop a country to be an advance economy, a politician should has all his or her integrity, accountabilty and responsibilty. We cannot accept a person of animal like to be a representative in the house. Areak Prey
Thank you Mr. Smith
Look at this site:
http://www.angkor-planet.com/UK-hase.html
You can begin from Start to End to see how the region has involved for these century.
Please help people khmer ,they are innocent and victim of communist HO+MAO.
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=KHb_K_tOS6k
Hi Khmers,
You are not the only people on planet who are suffering ok?
Look at other suffering nations like Darfur is still in civil war 2million people died and suffering with no food no water.
Thank you Mr:Smith!!Please help khmer people from the dictator Hun Xen's regime!!!The Election in Cambodia will be no Free and Fair under Hun Xen regime and youn Hanoi!!!!
Thank you Mr:Smith!!!
Please more US support the Khmer people against the election!!!
It sounds good.
Sorry ,but the big man do not have a mirror to find the culprit.
10:46 AM
We had been through that path. So don't you fucking ponificate about our country.
If you loved and concerned so much about the AU, why don't you go and work there -- perhaps save them, or have them come and settle in your home.
You're nothing but yet another fucking hypocrite.
10:46 AM
Ok.
Now can we start coloring our scrapbook.
Let sing a song together.
Great call for justice, Mr. Smith.
Thank you for being the voice of the helpless majority.
Ah chhkae na niyeay ey pi Darfur, ah aeng khmae reu borotes. Kampuchea min men Sudan te ah phleu.
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