Additional criticism from Mrs. Mu Sochua on the court and the ruling party

Mrs. Mu Sochua (Photo: Sovannara, RFI)

18 July 2010
By Sopheak
Cambodia Express News
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Phnom Penh – During a meeting with SRP party activists in Boeung Salang commune, Tuol Kok district, Phnom Penh city, on 17 July 2010, Kampot SRP MP Mu Sochua – who lost her parliamentary immunity – criticized the judicial system and the CPP, saying that they took a step back by not daring to arrest and send her to jail even though the ultimatum for her to pay her fine and compensation has passed.

Mrs. Mu Sochua said that she is still preserving her stance of not being afraid, and of not paying anything to the court. Regarding the request made by Hun Xen’s lawyer for the court to impound her parliamentary salary, her stance remains the same, i.e. she refuses to pay still because the court in not independent and it only serves as a political tool [of the ruling party]. At the same time, Mrs. Mu Sochua also criticized the Supreme Magistracy Council presided by King Sihamoni, saying that this institution has no power on the judicial system, and in fact, the power to control the judicial system resides within the ruling party.

Tith Sothea, government advisor and mouthpiece of the Press and Quick Reaction Unit (PQRU) of the council of ministers, reacted to the criticisms leveled by Mrs. Mu Sochua, saying that the court is pursuing its legal measures. The court is putting into practice the legal measures to strengthen the rule of law and the action taken by Mrs. Mu Sochus to oppose the court bears no result because she is a convicted person.

In the afternoon of 17 July, William Burns, the US Under-Secretary of State, visited Cambodia and he also met with opposition officials at the US embassy. During the meeting, Mrs. Mu Sochua told reporters that the SRP raised a number of important issues with William Burns, such as: pushing for the signatory countries of the 23 October 1991 Paris Agreement – which the US is part of – to enforce full democratic process and full respect of human rights in Cambodia; bringing in reforms needed for the judicial system so that it becomes an independent institution that is respected by the people; and reforms in the election system in Cambodia to achieve true independence of this institution by allowing the participation of the opposition party leader in the election process, and by holding truly democratic election.