The accused (in pink shirt) and human rights activists leave the Takeo courtroom (Photo: Sovannara, RFI)By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
09 February 2010
One journalist and three of his sources went on trial for defamation in Takeo province on Tuesday, with the court scheduling a verdict for Feb. 19.
To Serey, a radio journalist for Radio Free Asia, is accused of broadcasting a report alleging corruption by a local official in the province.
Two human rights workers and a villager who were interviewed by the reporter are also accused of defamation.
All four appeared in court Tuesday, where a five-hour hearing ensued. Evidence against the accused was based on testimony of 12 witnesses, who denied the broadcast report, which said members of the Muslim community had demonstrated against corruption.
Cambodia’s courts have come under increasing criticism for criminal trials of defamation and disinformation, allowed under a recently passed media law.
Critics say the law promotes retributive suits against government dissenters, the opposition and the media.
To Serey, a radio journalist for Radio Free Asia, is accused of broadcasting a report alleging corruption by a local official in the province.
Two human rights workers and a villager who were interviewed by the reporter are also accused of defamation.
All four appeared in court Tuesday, where a five-hour hearing ensued. Evidence against the accused was based on testimony of 12 witnesses, who denied the broadcast report, which said members of the Muslim community had demonstrated against corruption.
Cambodia’s courts have come under increasing criticism for criminal trials of defamation and disinformation, allowed under a recently passed media law.
Critics say the law promotes retributive suits against government dissenters, the opposition and the media.
6 comments:
This is a terrible problem, it is a plague that will destroy freedom of speech and expression! It's like the Khmer Rouge period, no different.
THank you HUn Sen and your Vietcong masters, for once again bringing this repression to Cambodia!
The corrupt local official should be on trial, not the reporter who is only uncovering the truth! This country is going backwards due to the fact that uneducated idiots are running the country!
The powerful and the rich people always win court cases. Cambodia is ruled by gansters whereby the law of the jungles applied.
ATTENTION:
Troubles at RFA within few months:
1- US Embassy denied RFA report;
2- RFA fired 8 staffs;
3- RFA reporter faces defamation charges;
4- RFA reporter caused a villager died in traffic accident in Pausat province.
So, what’s next?
Hi Kem Sos, Sam Poly, Susan, and Libby,
Don’t be always blame others, you have to see yourselves first. Take time to reflect your legacies. Let’s evil out of your mind!
Hi Serey,
I know you want to serve Cambodians. But under stupid direction of RFA, you cannot realize your dream!
Som Chhay
The goal of DIFFAMATION laws is just a tool used by CPP members to jail journalists and that's all.
WHAT'S THE IMPROVEMENT FROM WHEN,A MINUTE AFTER EVERY TALKING?
MOTHERFUCKER USE THE GUARILAR TECHNIC OF "HIT AND RUN" AND UN BUY IT!
HOW CAN BE IT IMPROVE?
SINCE THE COUP1997! MANY INOCENT PEOPLE, ENTERAINMENT PERSONAS, JOURNALSTS, OPPOSITION PARTY MEMBERS HAD BEEN KILLED, MAIMED, ABUSED, AND IMPRISON! AND NO JUSTICE HAVE BEEN DONE AT ALL!
AH KWACK USE SCARING TACTIC OF SHOWING OF HOW HE CAN POSIBLE IMPRISON VERRY IMPORTANT PEOPLE LIKE THE PRINCES AND OPPOSITION MPs! SO THEN HOW ABOUT YOU FUCKING POOR SMALL CITIZENs, WHO IS GOING TO HELP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,IF AH KWACK WENT FOR YOU?
If you just can not see that! May god or what ever you beleive helpe you! And sorry for the Univercity that gave you any degree!
If you just ignored that for the sake of get pay! May god or whatever you beleive forgave your mother for bring a person like you to this world! BUT MAY THEY PUNISHED YOU SOME DAY JUST WITH THE SAME SUFFERING THAT, THE VICTIMEs OF AKWACK HUN XEN'S GOVERNMENT, GOT!
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