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| Moeung Sonn (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post) |
Tep Nimol
The Phnom Penh Post
A controversial jail sentence handed to the head of a cultural organisation for suggesting a lighting project at Angkor Wat was damaging the temple was upheld by the Supreme Court yesterday.
Moeung Sonn, director of the Khmer Civilization Fund, was sentenced to two years in jail and fined 15 million riel (US$3,615) after raising concerns that workers installing lights at the 12th-century temple had drilled holes deep into the structure’s walls.
The lawsuit, brought against him by the government, was upheld on appeal yesterday, even though the obsolete 1992 UNTAC penal code charge of disinformation was amended to incitement last May.
Moeung Sonn, who has lived in self-imposed exile for the past three years, called the Cambodian legal system “hopeless” and said he would move to France to escape punishment.
“It is unfair for me, and Cambodian people are afraid when the legal system listens only to the lawyers of the powerful people,” he said.
Government lawyer Pal Chandara told journalists outside the courtroom yesterday the verdict was “justice for the government”.
“The verdict offers justice for the government, which pays much attention to public security,” Pal Chandara said.
He has previously argued that Moeung Sonn threatened this security by falsely suggesting the APSARA Authority, which manages the World Heritage Site, had installed 2,000-watt bulbs when it had used only four-watt bulbs.
Moeung Sonn’s lawyer, Sok Sam Ouen, has argued that his client merely raised concerns that the project – contracted out to Chinese firm Suchin – could affect the beauty, safety and body of the temple.
A petition thumb-printed by representatives of 347 communities, including those from the Borei Keila and Boeung Kak eviction sites, was handed to the Supreme Court yesterday, calling for justice by finding Moeung Sonn not guilty.
7 comments:
people who like to incite other should be jailed by law, you know!
How dumb this Yuon's slave government is.
A person just gave suggestion and this animal government gave that person a severe punishment.
The reason was that Angkor Wat is now owned by a Yuon named Sok Kong. That's why Ah Kwack needed to please his master, otherwise he will lose his job.
Thork Cheang Chker Touv Teat Ah Kwack.
Pou Ker Barn Ter Chear Muoy Khmer Knear Eung Ah Roleuy
How stupid is ah chkae Hun Sen.
People can now be jailed for suggestion?
The dumbest prime minister in the world.
Cambodia is ruled by the law of jungle.
neak klang tva-eur sdach neak ksa-oeuy tva-eur chor
The stronger is king the weaker is outlaw.
Mr. Moeung Sonn is an innocent man. He has done nothing wrong.
There are a bunch of uneducated and stupid CPP clans and dogs led by uneducated Vietnamese dog Hun Sen. Those stupid CPP dogs and one blind dog who are fed by evil Hanoi masters don't know the histories.
Mr. Moeung Sonn should be free because he did not do anything wrong.
He cares about the damages of Angkor Wat because the workers are so stupid to drill the rare Angkor Wat walls to put the lights.
How stupid CPP clans and Vietnamese dog are!!!
Mr. Moeung Sonn is only trying to protect Angkor Wat from destruction by Ar stupid greedy pig only eye for money not one the of world greatest temple ever build. Mr. Moeung Sonn should be rewarded for protected Khmer heritage not prosecuted you dumbo.
This is what happen to the people who are living under the enemies control.You will be in jail or be kill, if you are trying to protect your country.
Is this bad enough to wake up to all the Khmer YET?
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