RFA's Keo Nimol: I did not seek political asylum

Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy

RFA reporter Um Sarin, also known as Keo Nimol, who was labeled by Hun Sen as an ‘insolent reporter,’ has returned back to Cambodia of 10 June following his 5-day attendance at a conference in Moscow, Russia. At his arrival in Cambodia, Um Sarin told the Kampuchea Thmei newspaper that his departure abroad was not because Hun Sen was scolding him, it was only a coincidence that he had to attend an International Conference for Journalists in Moscow. Um Sarin said that he did not flee the country, and neither does he seek political asylum. He said that he loves his country, therefore, he cannot leave his birthplace. He said that being a 20-year reporter, the scolding from the government leader is not a major issue for a reporter.

Keo Nimol denies he is seeking asylum

Friday, June 1, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Keo Nimol, the RFA reporter whom Hun Sen claimed on Wednesday that he was looking for an asylum from Bangkok, denied Hun Sen’s claim. Keo Nimol, whose real name is Um Sarin, who was labeled as an ‘insolent’ reporter by Hun Sen, wrote an email on Wednesday saying that he did not seek for asylum. Keo Nimol said that the reason he left the country was because he was afraid that someone could hurt him to please Hun Sen after the latter scolded him in public. Keo Nimol said that he is currently visiting relatives in Thailand, he will travel to Moscow next to attend a meeting organized by the International Journalist Forum. Khieu Sopheak, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, said that Keo Nimol has nothing to be concerned about Hun Sen’s scolding. Khieu Sopheak told The Cambodia Daily that: “he should not be afraid.”

Khieu Sopheak on Hun Sen's "Love you to death" message: Hun Sen likes Keo Nimol, that's why he insulted Keo Nimol

Thursday, May 24, 2007
Radio reporter left the country

Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said that a RFA reporter, who was called “rude” by Prime Minister Hun Sen last week, has left Cambodia to Thailand out of concern for his personal safety. Keo Nimol whose real name is Um Sarin, who is also the President of the Cambodian Association for the Defense of Journalists, left Cambodia to Thailand on Monday, the same day Hun Sen left Cambodia to visit Burma. A source at RFA indicated that Keo Nimol left to Thailand for a short rest because he was concerned about his personal safety. Khieu Sopheak, spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, told The Cambodia Daily that Keo Nimol has nothing to fear about the words pronounced by Hun Sen. He added that Hun Sen’s talk is a sign of endearment. Khieu Sopheal also said that Hun Sen likes Keo Nimol, that is why he insulted him. It’s just like a father reprimanding his son.