By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
23 June 2009
“Free speech and freedom of the press are fundamental rights in democracies throughout the world, and public figures and politicians should be prepared to receive both praise and criticism from the people they govern as part of the democratic process” - John Johnson, US embassy spokesmanOne parliamentarian left the country and a second went into hiding Tuesday, following a National Assembly decision to suspend their parliamentary immunity for pending lawsuits.
Mu Sochua, who is facing a defamation lawsuit from Prime Minister Hun Sen after her own allegations against the premier were dropped, left for the US Monday, saying she would return July 6.
Ho Vann, who is facing suit from 22 military commanders, for defamation and incitement, after public criticism of certificates awarded the officers by the government of Vietnam, dropped from the public eye Tuesday, citing “security concerns.”
The National Assembly, with a huge ruling party majority, voted to suspend their immunity in a closed-door session Monday. Critics argue the decision could hurt democracy.
US Embassy spokesman John Johnson said the National Assembly’s decision “threatened” democratic developments the country had made in recent years.
“We are concerned that two parliamentarians were left exposed yesterday by the National Assembly to criminal prosecution, and have been disappointed to see the constriction of free expression in Cambodia over the past several months,” Johnson wrote in an e-mail.
“It appears that the courts are being used to intimidate critics of the government,” he said. “Free speech and freedom of the press are fundamental rights in democracies throughout the world, and public figures and politicians should be prepared to receive both praise and criticism from the people they govern as part of the democratic process.”
10 comments:
i think most cambodian people think differently. did the US envoy ask the opinions of the majority cambodian people about how they think about this stripping of the legal shield of these two opposition lawmakers? i suggest strongly the western diplomatic communities who sympathized with these two law breakers to consult with the ordinary khmer people's opinion and debate about this first, before everyone jumps to a wrong conclusion without understanding what is going on from both sides. please don't be so bias; listen to both sides of the view point first before using "democracy" as a scapegoat to cry wold all the time! i think it may have been a blessing in disguise as cambodia and its khmer people deserve better! thank you!
Dear 4:06 AM:
It seems that either you ignore or do not know that Cambodia under the current leaders use their intimidation and/or threat to silence all critics from all people for their own benefits. In the past, many people were disappeared from earth when they dared to criticize the government. It is so sad and sorrowful that Khmer continues to suppress Khmer. The well developed or democratic countries value the rights of their citizens so highly, unlike Khmer leaders are always afraid of any critiques from their own people. I do hope, however,that Khmer will own their land and natural resources, preserve their culture, and construct the country for all Khmer people. I do hope that Khmer does not and will not let their ancesters, their own corpse after life, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildrn sob fiercely because they become nomads and worthless.
people don't necesarily agreed or think like you. sometimes when i listen to the other point of view, it makes more sense, really. now attacking someone in your chain of command doesn't necessarily be physical in form, it could be verbal, emotional abuse, discontempt, etc, etc. think about it, it will backfire sooner or later if you keep doing it to no avail! there ought to be a limit to everything you can and cannot say to each other in the court of law, especially to your colleague. try calling your boss name, etc, and i have no doubt you will be reprimanded for disrespect, etc! same concept here, my dear! that's all!
4.06 AM
Cultural differeces plays a small part on our decision making only.
What we ought to guide our view based on two fundamental grounds:
a) Logical processes for what we seek to understand matters.
b)Reality of the events which resulted in progressive or destructive(positive or negative).
Appropriateness is drawn from these grounds if it was to conern on any matter.
On global scale, there is not neither eastern or western ideology anymore.Labelling in color, race,belief is fading away as we are all human being.
What sustained is our common progressive ground for action we undertake.
What to focus is benefit to humanity particularly cambodians.
Neang SA
of course, however, we can't disregard the cultural differences altogether because that tiny overlook or undermining of others' difference is an issue at large, really. it's good we try to find a common or agreeable ground in order to get along, however, keep in mind too that one can't undermine cambodia, for example, because the difference is trivial or something. that's not right!
Ass hole 4:06 AM,
Khmer people except Viet/Yuon inhabitant of Cambodia under HUN SEN has been and is being oppressed. The world knows that.
Don't you ass hole deny that.
And quit talking about asking Khmer people, okay ass hole?
Remember HUN SEN's threat with "Free coffin" to Khmer people? Don't you dare denying that either you freaking ASS HOLE...
Pi Anh: PPU
I think Mrs Mu Sohua is too greedy and acts too fast to be too quickly recognized as a woman hero of Cambodia while her contribution to Cambodia's development politically and economically is very minimal. She has moved wrongly politically. She has provoked so much that Cambodia is now at the forfront of criticsm from others for freedom of expression and democracy and/silenceing opposition parties. Her political maneuver should not have been that harsh. Democracy and freedom of expression does not reset at all with one or two provocative individuals like Mrs Mua Sochua. Mrs Mu Sochua is also american citizen so she should have been more knowledgable about democracy and human rights and where the limits are. KK
Ged rid of the one eyed bandit!
Mrs Mu Sohua is courageous lady. She dare to challege the dictator when she know she is right. What is the purpose of being a MP when one can't speak out for justice.
Mrs Mu Sohua is a flip flop politician-trying get her image known for her own benefit. She was a member of Funcinpec. She switched side to SRP becasue Funcipec did not give her any job at that time. Now she is MP. It is really a good and lucrative business for her to be in Cambodia and perhaps SRP does not trust her any more. I have never heard about her giving any contribution to the country, but lives on the salary from her position. KK
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