International groups call for release of Cambodian human rights worker

Leang Sok Choeun (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)

Wednesday, September 01, 2010
The Associated Press

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Four prominent international human rights groups on Wednesday condemned the conviction of a Cambodian human rights worker for allegedly distributing anti-government leaflets.

Leang Sokchouen, who works for the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defence of Human Rights, was sentenced Monday to two years in prison and a 2 million riel ($500) fine, the groups' statement said, calling for his immediate release.

Cambodian human rights groups are among the government's biggest critics.

"Unfounded charges of disinformation or defamation are well-worn tactics used by the Cambodian government to create a climate of fear," the statement quoted Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, saying.

Amnesty International, the International Federation for Human Rights and the World Organization Against Torture also joined in issuing the statement.

The groups said Leang Sokchouen's trial "was marked by numerous procedural flaws as well as violations of fair trial provisions in Cambodian and international law."

"This conviction once again highlights the lack of independence and impartiality of the courts, which are all too often used as a tool against the less powerful, rather than to uphold their rights," Donna Guest, Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific deputy director, was quoted saying.