Khmer Machas Srok newspaper relaunched

Tuesday, 22 March 2011
By Khmerization
Source: RFA

The opposition-affiliated Khmer Machas Srok newspaper has been relaunched on Monday 21st March after suspending publications for more than 9 months in June 2010 due to financial difficulties, but began to publish online as Khmer Machas Srok Daily.

Mr. Hang Chakra, editor of Khmer Machas Srok who has been jailed nearly a year in 2009 for revealing rampant corruption in the office of Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, said the re-launched Khmer Machas Srok will not be affiliated with any political party and will take a neutral stance. He said on Monday that 1,500 issues of the re-lanched Khmer Machas Srok have gone on sales in the capital Phnom Penh at the publication cost of $100 of his personal money.

The 57 year-old Hang Chakra said his newspaper began its publications in 2007 as an independent newspaper and was financed by his personal money, but took a critical stance against human rights abuses and corruption. "They always said that my newspaper is leaning toward the opposition party. But in principle, my newspaper will make the same constructive criticisms (as before), take a neutral position and is unbiased toward any parties", he said.

In June 2009, Mr. Hang Chakra was fined $2,250 and sentenced to 12 months jail term when Deputy Prime Minister Sok An sued him for defamation after he published documents and articles alleging rampant corruption within officials working under Mr. Sok An. Hang Chakra was released on 13th April 2010 by a royal pardon after serving two-thirds of his 12 month sentence.

Freed publisher back in print

Khmer Machas Srok is displayed for sale at a newsstand on Street 51. ( Photo by: Rick Valenzuela)

Monday, 03 May 2010
Vong Sokheng
The Phnom Penh Post

THE opposition-aligned newspaper run by formerly imprisoned journalist Hang Chakra resumed publishing this weekend with fresh criticism of alleged government corruption. But as World Press Freedom Day approached, observers said financial concerns could pose a greater threat than censorship to the newspaper’s immediate future.

Saturday’s edition of Khmer Machas Srok was the first since backers temporarily closed shop early last month, citing lack of funds. It was also the first issue released since publisher Hang Chakra, who was convicted last year of spreading disinformation, was freed from prison after receiving a Royal pardon ahead of Khmer New Year.

The edition featured a pair of pieces dealing with corruption allegations and press freedom. A front-page story focused on criticism from the opposition Sam Rainsy Party over allegations of improper payments from global mining giant BHP. The story suggested “high-ranking officials” may have become “rich and arrogant” after allegedly receiving payments from the company.

At this point, BHP has acknowledged only that it is investigating “possible violations of applicable anti-corruption laws involving interactions with government officials”.

The paper also featured an opinion piece in which Hang Chakra accused government officials of being slow to prosecute those accused of killing journalists.

“Many journalists were shot to death in the street, causing children to lose their fathers or wives to become widows and living with painfulness,” Hang Chakra wrote. “Why are the government and authorities not searching for the murderers?”

Hang Chakra spent almost 10 months in prison as punishment for publishing a series of articles that suggested corruption in the cabinet of Deputy Prime Minister Sok An.

One observer said it was unlikely the authorities would try to censor Khmer Machas Srok so soon after Hang Chakra’s release from prison.

“I think the government does not want to be seen as silencing Hang Chakra and his paper,” said Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights. “It’s a honeymoon period after the storm.”

He added, though, that the paper could have trouble securing advertising dollars after its brush with the law.

“Trying to find ad revenue is going to be very, very difficult, because it will be seen as an opposition paper. But more importantly, it will be seen as a paper the government doesn’t like,” Ou Virak said. “[Advertisers] don’t want to be seen as supporting or helping to finance a pro-opposition newspaper.”

Khmer Machas Srok workers have previously complained that some advertisers have withdrawn ads after being pressured by the government.

The newspaper’s return this weekend came just before today’s World Press Freedom Day. Rights groups and press organisations warned on Sunday that journalists in Cambodia still face intimidation, harassment and violence.

“The gag on Cambodian journalists is stifling democracy and human rights in Cambodia,” Ou Virak said in a statement to mark the day.

However, Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said the government had no plans to restrict media criticism of the government.

Rather, he said the onus was on the media, including Hang Chakra’s newspaper, to adhere to high ethical standards.

“I have already advised them … that they need to have high standards of professionalism, and that critics must have evidence” when making allegations, Khieu Kanharith said.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY IRWIN LOY

Hang Chakra to maintain his stance

Hang Chakra, Editor-in-chief of The Khmer Machas Srok newspaper

19 April 2010
Free Press Magazine online
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the article in Khmer

Hang Chakra, the Editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper who was released from jail on 13 April, i.e. just ahead of the Cambodian New Year celebration, declared that the he will continue to maintain his original conscience in the criticism of the government.

Yesterday, Hang Chakra declared that he will thrive to publish The Khmer Machas Srok newspaper by next week after its publication was suspended since the beginning of April due to financial issue, and he said that he will continue to criticize the government in order to push for progress in national development and to fight against corruption.

At the same time, Hang Chakra denied the rumors claiming that he joined the CPP and that he will stop criticizing the government. Hang Chakra said: “There is no institution that can pressure me to change my conscience when I am using my own funds to publish my newspaper, and when my newspaper is still alive through the support of the readers.”

Nevertheless, prior to his pardon, Hang Chakra wrote a letter of apology to Hun Xen, and he promised that, should he be released, he will not write any article pointing to corruption without proof.

Hang Chakra to continue publishing newspaper

Hang Chakra talked to reporters after his release from Prey Sar jail on 13 April 2010 (Photo: Sok Serey, RFA)

14 April 2010
By Leang Delux
Radio France Internationale
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy
Click here to read the article in Khmer

Hang Chakra, the Editor-in-Chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper who was released as planned in the afternoon of 13 April, declared that he will gather all his colleagues to re-open the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper after the Cambodian New Year celebration.

Hang Chakra, the Editor-in-Chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper, told RFI on 14 April that he will meet and gather all his colleagues soon after the celebration of the Cambodian New Year in order to restart the publication of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper. The newspaper had to suspend its publication on 02 April due to bankruptcy.

After his release from jail, Hang Chakra claimed that he will continue his journalism profession because this is what he likes and wants to do. He indicated that he was elated to be released from jail, but what worries him now is the search for funds to restart his newspaper. As a newspaper leaning toward the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, Hang Chakra revealed that he will most likely try to obtain support from this party, nevertheless, he is more confident on his own funding source.

Today, opposition leader Sam Rainsy sent a greeting message to Hang Chakra for his release from jail.

Hang Chakra was sued by the government lawyer for disinformation on 2 articles that affected Xok An, the vice-PM. The court sentenced Hang Chakra to 1-year of jail term staring from July 2009. Hang Chakra was released after completing 2/3 of his sentence and Hun Xen requested King Sihamoni to pardon him.

Hang Chakra claimed that, from now on, he will write articles where there are definite sources.

Hang Chakra released from jail

Hang Chakra talked to reporters after his release from Prey Sar jail on 13 April 2010 (Photo: Sok Serey, RFA)

13 April 2010
By Sek Bandith and Sok Serey
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy
Click here to read the article in Khmer

Hang Chakra, the editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper, was released from Prey Sar jail at 4PM on 13 April.

Hang Chakra told RFA reporter that he is happy and he plans to have a Buddhist blessing at a pagoda to rid himself of all the bad luck. He will gather with all his relatives tomorrow to greet the New Year Tevoda (angel).

Heng Hak, the deputy director of the ministry of Interior, told RFA this afternoon that Hang Chakra, along with 23 other prisoners in Prey Sar jail, were released this afternoon following a royal pardon order issued by King Sihamoni so that they may be reunited with their families.

(Additional information is forthcoming this evening).

Khieu Kanharith on RSF report : Deny! Deny! Deny!

Hang Chakra, Editor-in-chief of Khmer Machas Srok newspaper (Photo: Sok Serey, RFA)

Khieu Kanharith not convinced by RSF report

Monday 22 Feb 2010
By A.L.G.
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Alain De Veng
Click here to read the article in French

Khieu Kanharith, the minister of Information and government spokesman, called on Reporters Without Borders (with the acronym RSF in French) to investigate on the real activities led by the reporters named in the RSF report.

Several reporters named in Reporters Without Borders report on the freedom of press in Cambodia were sentenced due to their lack of professionalism, Khieu Kanharith indicated on Sunday 21 Feb when questioned by Cambodge Soir Hebdo.

Regarding Hang Chakra, the editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper, Khieu Kanharith indicated that it was mainly a “personal affair” between vice-PM Sok An and the reporter.

Hang Chakra, who was sentenced to one year of jail term on 26 June 2009 by the Phnom Penh municipal court, published in the opposition-leaning Khmer Machas Srok newspaper articles that accused those working around Sok An of corruption.

In the RSF report, Khieu Kanharith claimed that he would “personally” favor the release of Hang Chakra.

“For several reporters named, RSF would do better to investigate [to find out] if they were real reporters or just people shamelessly using their press badges in unsavory affairs,” Khieu Kanharith said.

Among the cases raised by RSF, the controversial case of Ros Sokhet was also cited. He was sentenced to 2-year of jail term for “disinformation” on 06 November 2009 after sending a text message to Soy Sopheap, a reporter close to Hun Xen, accusing the latter of receiving bribe to silence a report.

In its report, RSF cautiously raised this case, saying that the court should simply give a “formal reprimand” to Ros Sokhet.

In other cases, Khieu Kanharith stressed that “the PM ordered a stop on the lawsuits against three other editors. If this organization [RSF] is really professional, it could easily check this fact.”

Furthermore, the UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) in Cambodia praised the dropping of RFA reporter Sok Serey’s lawsuit case last Friday by the Takeo provincial court, as well as the lawsuit cases against 2 human rights defenders and two representatives of the Cham community, all of whom were charged with “disinformation.” The RFA reporters, the activists and the Cham community representatives were sued in a case stemming from a dispute between Cham villagers and religious leaders from the Kampong Youl village mosque, located in Takeo province, where these leaders were accused of corruption.

The OHCHR called on all Cambodian judges to follow the precedence set by this case, in particular, in the context of the application of the new penal code “in which numerous stipulations could potentially restraint freedom of expression.”

King seeks editor’s freedom

Hang Chakra (Photo: Sok Serey, RFA)

Monday, 09 November 2009
Meas Sokchea and Sebastian Strangio
The Phnom Penh Post

KING Norodom Sihamoni has encouraged Prime Minister Hun Sen to request that Hang Chakra, the opposition newspaper publisher who received a one-year prison term in June after being convicted of disinformation, be granted amnesty and released.

In a letter dated October 27, the King said an earlier appeal from the Sam Rainsy Party had prompted him to push for amnesty.

“I have received a letter from the SRP dated October 23, 2009, asking me to give amnesty to Khmer Machas Srok newspaper publisher Hang Chakra, currently imprisoned at Prey Sar prison on disinformation charges,” the letter stated.

“I am submitting this letter to Samdech Techo [Hun Sen], head of the Royal Government, for consideration.”

On June 26, Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted Hang Chakra of spreading disinformation, sentenced him to one year in prison and ordered him to pay 9 million riels (US$2,250) in fines.

The charge, which drew strong criticism from human rights groups and free speech advocates, stemmed from a series of articles Hang Chakra published in April and May accusing officials working under Deputy Prime Minister Sok An of corruption.

According to Article 27 of the Constitution, the King has “the right to grant partial or complete amnesty” to any Cambodian subject. But Sok Sam Oeun, executive director of the Cambodia Defenders Project, noted that a sub-decree predating the 1993 Constitution requires the premier to issue a formal request before amnesty can be granted.

Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith declined to comment in detail but said he supported the King’s decision to send a letter requesting amnesty for Hang Chakra.

“I support the King’s intention, but it depends on the plaintiff,” he said, referring to Sok An, who brought the charges against Hang Chakra.

But government lawyer Suong Chanthan, who prosecuted the case against Hang Chakra, said the decision whether to grant amnesty would “depend on the government, not on individuals”.

SRP spokesman Yim Sovann said the court system had displayed an obvious bias in the Hang Chakra case as well as in other disinformation and defamation cases involving government critics, meaning the only chance for justice would be through Royal intervention.

“The courts are not independent – they are influenced by the ruling party. We can’t trust anybody else but the King,” he said.

He added that the request for the release of Hang Chakra – whom Yim Sovann described as a “prisoner of conscience” – was an indication that the monarch recognised the unjust nature of the case against him. “By writing a letter to Hun Sen [about Hang Chakra], it’s a recognition he is innocent,” he said.

This is not the first time the King has intervened on behalf of a journalist, said Um Sarin, director of the Cambodian Association for the Protection of Journalists, who added that in cases of perceived bias on the part of the legal system, a royal plea is often the only recourse.

“It is the last resort of ordinary people,” he said.

When contacted on Sunday, Hang Chakra’s daughter, Hang Chanpisey, said her father’s health had deteriorated during his five months in prison.

“My father looks so thin. His face keeps getting thinner and thinner,” she said.

Cambodia Ranked 117 in Press Freedom, a Slight Improvement

By Men Kimseng, VOA Khmer
Original report from Washington
26 October 2009

Reporters Without Borders said in an annual report last week that Cambodia had moved up in press freedom, but concerns over threats to journalists remain.

Cambodia was ranked No. 117 of 175 countries, an improvement from its No. 126 position last year, which came from the murder of an opposition journalist and his son ahead of a national election.

However, at least one opposition journalist was jailed in 2009, following reporting on corruption within the powerful Council of Ministers.

Journalists worldwide suffer from murder, imprisonment and the threat of revoked license, Reporters Without Borders said. In countries like Burma, China, North Korea and Vietnam, still restrict access to the Internet, the group said.

The report confirms a statement made by Marcus Brauchli, executive editor of the Washington Post, earlier this month.

“Some governments inevitably attempt to the unnatural and try to suppress the growth of journalism,” he said. “The Russian government has forced most of its news agency operations into the government’s hand, and many, far too many, good journalists have been assassinated with impunity.

“Until recently, Zimbabwe intimidated, imprisoned and induced to leave the country both foreign and local journalists and may still up to date,” he continued. “In Cambodia, a journalist and his son were murdered after writing critical articles of the government and a publisher was imprisoned and fined for disinformation and for dishonoring public officials.”

However, Pen Samithy, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists, said journalists in the country are still able to do their work.

“According to my observation, the overall concern that journalists have does not prevent them from reflecting the truth,” he told VOA Khmer. “This means that every day journalists work with a higher responsibility to making improvements in the quality of journalism in Cambodia.”

Meanwhile, journalists who perform their jobs in the face of oppression have not gone unrecognized.

Peter Mackler, a former journalist for Agence France-Presse, died in June 2008 at 58, suffering an apparent heart attack after working in journalism for more than 30 years. As a reporter and editor, Mackler covered the Gulf War in 1991; conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan; the Palestinian intifada; the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York; and George W. Bush’s presidency.

He trained journalists in some developing countries like Lebanon, Iran, Malaysia and Cyprus. He also trained VOA Khmer staff.

In memory of Mackler’s work, his family and friends set up the “Peter Mackler Award” to honor courageous and ethical journalists. The first winner was a Sri Lankan journalist sentenced to 20 years in jail for inciting “communal disharmony.”

“I am delighted to hear that you are honoring Peter’s legacy by recognizing courageous and ethical journalists with the Peter Mackler Award,” former US secretary of state Condoleeza Rice said in a letter to organizers. “Throughout his distinguished thirty-three year career in journalism, Peter was a champion of the freedom of the press who fought tirelessly to defend the rights of reporters to publish stories without fear of retribution.”

In Cambodia, Hang Chakra, publisher of the opposition Khmer Machas Srok newspaper, remains in jail for an article dishonoring a senior government official.

Reporters Without Borders has also appealed for his release.

This year’s ranking puts Cambodia above neighboring Thailand, which was ranked No. 130.

Sacrava's Political Cartoon: The Key to Freedom

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

Jailed Journalist Seeks To Apologize

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
11 September 2009

Hang Chakra, who is facing a yearlong jail term for defamation charges, has said in a letter he would like to apologize to a senior minister implicated in corruption by his newspaper.

Editor of the Khmer Mchas Srok newspaper, Hang Chakra was sentenced in July and fined 9 million riel, about $2,250, after publishing reports on alleged corruption at the powerful Council of Ministers, which is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Sok An.

Phay Siphan, a spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said officials had received the letter and would provide it to Sok An on Monday.

In the letter, according to Phay Siphan, Hang Chakra “accepted the mistake of disinformation and expressed his regret for improperly writing some text in his newspaper, affecting the honor of Deputy Prime Minister Sok An.”

“He accepts his wrongdoing and requests a pardon,” Phay Siphan said.

Hang Chakra’s arrest and imprisonment came in July amid increasing concern the courts were used to punish government dissenters, after two opposition parliamentarians, Mu Sochua and Ho Vann, had their immunity stripped and another opposition journalist, Dam Sith, vowed to close his own newspaper rather than face similar charges.

Phay Siphan said Friday Hang Chakra should have apologized before his sentencing, because the government is interested in seeing information that follows a professional code of conduct.

Now, he said, “Prime Minister Hun Sen has the right to get Hang Chakra’s apology letter to request the king to pardon him.”

Journalist associations in August requested King Norodom Sihamoni pardon the jailed editor, with no result.

Jailed publisher writes Sok An letter of apology

(Photo: Sok Serey, RFA)

Friday, 11 September 2009
Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post

IMPRISONED opposition newspaper publisher Hang Chakra has written a letter of apology to Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, officials said.

Minister of Information and government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said he has delivered it to the deputy prime minister.

But since Hang Chakra, 55, has already been convicted of defamation, the letter alone doesn't guarantee the journalist's release, Khieu Kanharith said. "I delivered a letter to Excellency Sok An," he said. "How he will decide depends on him because he is the plaintiff."

Journalists who have been lobbying on Hang Chakra's behalf said they hoped the move would facilitate his release. "I hope he will be allowed to leave prison," said Touch Nora, president of the Cambodia Watch of Journalists Association.

Hang Chakra was convicted of defamation and publishing false information for a series of articles alleging corruption against officials under Sok An. He was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 9 million riels (US$2,187). The Court of Appeal rejected his case on August 11.

Hang Chakra sent an apology letter to Sok An?

Hang Chakra (Photo: Sok Serey, RFA)

10 September 2009
By Sok Serey
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the article in Khmer

A source from the ministry of Information claimed that Hang Chakra, the editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper, wrote a personal apology letter to Sok An in order to seek intervention so that he may be released from jail.

Khieu Kanharith, the minister of Information and spokesman for the government, told RFA that he received Hang Chakra’s letter on Tuesday. The letter was sent out from Prey Sar prison.

Khieu Kanharith said that he informed this case to Sok An already, as well as to 5 other media associations. He hopes that there will another legal mean to lift the accusation against Hang Chakra so that the latter can be freed. However, the case will take a long time because of the difficulties stemming from the case being in the hand of the court.

Am Sam Ath, director of investigation for the Licadho human rights organization, told RFA on 10 September that: “We hope that Mr. Hang Chakra will be freed to pursue his journalist profession again.”

Regarding the case above, Chuong Chou-ngy, Hang Chakra’s defense lawyer, said that he did not hear about this apology letter yet. “I don’t know about that issue, but I heard that a number of journalists are talking about this case,” Chuon Chou-ngy said.

At the same time, Licadho activists and Hang Chakra’s family members plan to visit him at Prey Sar prison on Thursday 10 September to check on his health condition.

Hang Chakra, the editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper which supports the opposition SRP party, was sentenced by the Phnom Penh municipal court to 12-month of jail and he was also fined 9 million riels ($2,250) for disinformation when his newspapers published in April and May articles titled: “PM Hun Xen breaks up the nest of bad and corrupt officials around Sok An” and “Several pro-Sok An officials face removal from their position.”

On 11 August, the Appeal Court upheld the sentence above, and it also ordered that Hang Chakra be held in jail.

Local and international human rights activists, as well as opposition politicians called this jailing of a journalist: the silencing of critics and freedom of expression.

Govt signals it could release Hang Chakra

Wednesday, 09 September 2009
Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post

JAILED newspaper publisher Hang Chakra "could be freed" because of his failing health, Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said Tuesday.

In a meeting with Cambodian journalists, the minister acknowledged that reversing the court's decision would not be easy but said his deteriorating health could prove enough to secure his release. "No one can make any promises," he said, but he noted that if Hang Chakra were granted amnesty - which can only be done by the King - the government would release him.

Last month, Hang Chakra's lawyer, Choung Chou Ngy, expressed concern over his client's "faltering health", saying he had lost weight since being incarcerated at Prey Sar. The minister's comments were welcomed by Touch Nora, president of the Cambodia Watch of Journalists Association, who described it as a glimmer of hope. "This compromise is hopeful," he said.

Hang Chakra was convicted in June of defamation and publishing false information in a series of articles accusing officials working for Deputy Prime Minister Sok An of corruption. He was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 9 million riels (US$2,187). The Court of Appeal rejected his case on August 11.

Travesty of justice redux: Discussion to have Hang Chakra write an apology letter to Xok An

Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Kampuchea Thmei
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Hang Chakra, the editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper who is currently being jailed, has allegedly written an apology letter to vice-PM Xok An.

On 08 August 2009, a source claimed that the ministry of Information held a discussion with representatives of a number of media associations. Khieu Kanharith, the minister of Information, was also present during the discussion. The discussion was centered on means to help release Hang Chakra from jail.

The source above added that, in the discussion, Hang Chakra was pushed to write an apology letter to Xok An, and Hang Pisey, Hang Chakra’s daughter, allegedly agrees to this issue also.

Sok Sovann, representative of the media association who was present in the discussion, told Kampuchea Thmei over the phone in the afternoon of 08 September that he did not want to comment on the apology letter to Xok An, however, he confirmed that the letter to Xok An is already available.

Touch Nora, representative of the Cambodian Journalist Watchdog, confirmed in the morning of 08 September about the discussion meeting held between Khieu Kanharith and 5 media associations to find arrangement means to help release Hang Chakra from jail. Touch Nora added that the discussion centered on directives given to Hang Chakra’s daughter to fulfill. Khieu Kanharith also expressed hope that an arrangement can be made in this case.

On 08 September, Pa Nguon Tieng, director of the Voice of Democracy radio station, claimed that he was present in the discussion with Khieu Kanharith, along with a number of media association representatives. The discussion was held to seek a pardon for Hang Chakra. He added that, during the meeting held on 08 September, Khieu Kanharith said that he did not want to see any journalist jailed. However, Pa Nguon Tieng said that the discussion was centered on the method only, as for the actual mean to resolve this issue, it is not know yet.

Pa Nguon Tieng said that he did not want to comment about the alleged claim made by a source indicating that Hang Chakra sent an apology letter to Xok An, he said to wait and see.

Hang Pisey, Hang Chakra’s daughter, told Kampuchea Thmei over the phone in the afternoon of 08 September, that she is not aware of the intention to send an apology letter to Xok An.

Hang Pisey claimed that she does not want to show her stance when her father has not made his decision yet. Nevertheless, she indicated that her father who is currently incarcerated in Prey Sar jail is seriously ill and that he is very pale. She would like to see her father released from jail soon so that his health condition can improve.

Hang Chakra, the editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper, was sentenced to 12-month of jail and ordered to pay 8 million riels ($2,000) in fine for disinformation. Up to now, Hang Chakra has been incarcerated 2 months already.

No help for Hang Chakra from council [-Can one be expected from the Supreme "Con"-cil of Magistracy?]

Hang Chakra

Friday, 04 September 2009
Vong Sokheng
The Phnom Penh Post

SENIOR officials at the Ministry of Justice said that the Supreme Council of the Magistracy has no power to intervene in the case of jailed newspaper publisher Hang Chakra, despite a letter sent by King Norodom Sihamoni to Minister of Justice Ang Vong Vathana asking that the council reconsider the publisher's conviction.

Hang Chakra, the publisher of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper, was convicted in June of defamation and publishing false information in connection with a series of articles published in April and May accusing officials working for Deputy Prime Minister Sok An of corruption. He was sentenced to one year in prison and fined 9 million riels (US$2,187). The Court of Appeal rejected his case on August 11.

In a letter dated August 24, a group of local media and civil society groups wrote to the King, urging him to request that the Supreme Council of the Magistracy reconsider Hang Chakra's case. The King then forwarded the request to Ang Vong Vathana.

"We considered the request of the King, but based on our analysis, we do not believe that the Supreme Council of the Magistracy has the power or obligation to examine the conviction of the court," a Ministry of Justice official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Tuesday. "I think that the publisher should use his right to appeal to the Supreme Court to reconsider the conviction."

Touch Naro, the president of the Cambodia Journalist Watch Association and one of the signatories of the letter, argued that according to the 1995 Press Law, Hang Chakra's conviction should never have occurred.

"We need an explanation about the legal process that put Chakra in jail, because he did not commit any crimes," he said.

Choung Chou Ngy, Hang Chakra's lawyer, told the Post that he visited his client in jail on Wednesday, finding him in poor health and unsure of whether he will appeal his conviction to the Supreme Court.

Ang Vong Vathana could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Media Groups Call for Editor’s Release

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
27 August 2009

Seven media organizations have sent a letter to King Norodom Sihamoni asking him to intervene in the prison sentence of an opposition newspaper editor.

Hang Chakra was jailed in June following the publication of a series of articles alleging corruption under the powerful Council Minister Sok An.

The letter asks that the king help intervene through his role as a member of the Supreme Council of Magistracy in interpreting legal matters at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

Pa Nguon Tieng, director of the Cambodian Center for Independent Media, said there had been irregularities in Hang Chakra’s June hearings. After the first hearing, after the defense had asked for more time to collect evidence, the court held a second hearing, sentencing Hang Chakra in absentia, he said.

And Sok Sovann, president of Khmer Journalists for Democracy, said the court should have used the media law passed by the National Assembly in 1995.

Chhoung Chou Ngy, lawyer for Hang Chakra, said he will wait for a response to the request before deciding on whether to appeal the 12-month sentence.

King Sihamoni asks for a reconsideration of Hang Chakra’s case

Hang Chakra brought to the Appeal Court on 11 August 2009 (Photo: Sok Serey, RFA)

26 August 2009
By Sok Serey
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy
Click here to read the article in Khmer

For the very first time, King Norodom Sihamoni intervened by asking Ang Vong Vattana, the minister of Justice, to reconsider the case of Hang Chakra, the editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper who is currently jailed at Prey Sar prison.

A copy of the king’s letters obtained by RFA on Wednesday 26 August indicated: “I received a letter dated 24 August 2009 from the director of the Cambodian Center for the Publication of Independent Information, the vice-president of the Information Forum and Academy, the president of the Neutral and Democratic Journalist Association, the president of the Association of Democratic Cambodian Journalist, the president of the Cambodian Journalist Watchdog and the president of the Association of Cambodian Journalist for Freedom who asked for my intervention to the Supreme Council of Magistracy to resolve this issue in accordance with the law regarding the legality of the of the decision handed down to Mr. Hang Chakra, the editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper, by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.” The king’s letter added: “I am sending the letter above for your excellency to review.”

Ang Vong Vattana could not be reached on Wednesday 26 October to obtain clarifications on the king’s request, however, his aid replied that he does not know whether the king’s letter is in the hand of the minister yet or not: “So, I don’t know yet whether this letter arrived at the ministry yet or not.”

The king’s intervention letter came after 7 representatives of journalist associations and organizations sent him a joint letter on 24 August, asking for his intervention.

Chuong Chou-ngy, Hang Chakra’s defense lawyer, said that he is glad to see the king’s consideration for his client. “This is an indication that the king pays attention on social justice and it also provides justice for my client,” Chuong Chou-ngy added.

55-year-old Hang Chakra, aka Chey Uddom, was sentenced by the Phnom Penh municipal court on 26 June to 12-month of jail and he was ordered to pay 9 million riels ($2,250) in fine for defamation and disinformation published in this newspaper. The article claimed that Hun Xen broke up the bad and corrupt officials around Sok An, the article was titled: “Several pro-Sok An officials face dismissal.”

On 11 August, the Appeal Court stayed on the decision handed by the Phnom Penh municipal court, and it ordered that Hang Chakra be kept in jail.

Local and International human rights organizations called the jailing of this journalist an act of intimidation or a threat to those who criticize the Cambodian government.

Appeal Court upholds Hang Chakra’s sentence: Travesty of justice perpetuated

Hang Chakra (R) at his arrival in court for appeal hearing (Photo: DAP news)

11 August 2009
DAP news
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

In the morning of 11 August 2009, the judge of the Phnom Penh Appeal Court handed down the decision on the lawsuit against Hang Chakra, the Editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper. In its decision, the appeal court upheld the sentence handed down to Hang Chakra, namely 1-year of prison sentence and 9 million riels ($2,250) fine.

Chuon Chou-ngy, Hang Chakra’s defense lawyer, said: “If my client wants to appeal his case to the Supreme Court, I will do as my client orders me to.”

In the hearing, Hang Chakra (allegedly) acknowledged the mistakes he has committed as he was accused.

Hang Chakra’s appeal hearing is held this Tuesday

11 August 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

The appeal made by Hang Chakra, the editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper, against the 1-year jail sentence and 9 million riels ($2,250) fine handed to him by the Phnom Penh municipal court for defamation will be heard by the Appeal Court this Tuesday. Chuong Chou-ngy, Hang Chakra’s defense lawyer, said that he will go to the court to defend Hang Chakra. He said that his client’s case would improve and be fair if the court is not subjected to political pressure.

Hang Chakra put in a cell with 50 other prisoners

13 July 2009
By Sok Serey
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the article in Khmer

According to a source, Hang Chakra, the Editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper who is currently jailed in Prey Sar prison, is in normal health, but he is put into a cramped small jail cell with 50 other prisoners.

As the same time, a NGO indicated that Hang Chakra is facing urinary tract health problem, and he also feels tense.

Choung Chou-ngy, Hang Chakra’s defense lawyer, went to visit his client at the Prey Sar jail on 13 July 2009 at 2PM. He told RFA: “He has no health problem. The main issue is my work for his case, the court will send his case to appeal. Just now, I confirmed with him whether he still needs me as his appeal defense lawyer or not? He said that he still needs me as his defense lawyer for the appeal.”

Choung Chou-ngy added that he and his client appealed the case on 26 June. He is currently waiting for the Appeal court to hold the upcoming hearing, however, there is no date set yet.

He said that prior to his meeting with his client, Hang Netra, Hang Chakra’s daughter, and her husband also went to visit their parent on Monday morning.

Am Sam At, director on investigation for the Licadho human rights organization, declared that Licadho’s doctor recently received the authorization from the jail warden to meet and check up Hang Chakra’s on Monday.

Am Sam At said: “The checkup of his health shows that he has health problem because of his urinary tract. The doctor looked after him and gave him medicine. Besides this, he is stuffed and he has anxiety, when he is like this, he could have mental problem.”

Hang Chakra is the editor-in-chief of the Khmer Machas Srok newspaper, he was sentenced in absentia by the Phnom Penh municipal court to 12-month jail sentence and 9 million riels ($2,250) fine for disinformation and defamation because his newspaper published an article in April and May accusing Hun Sen of breaking up the corruption nest led by Sok An.

Son An, the vice-PM and minister of the Council of ministers, rejected this allegation during a National Assembly session in June.

Civil society organizations indicated that this government lawsuit was aimed at shutting down the freedom of expression and criticisms against the government.