Mam Sonando ‘Strong’ in Incarceration, Rights Advocate Reports [-Free the Bee! Free Mam Sonando!]

Mam Sonando

Mam Sonando has been in jail since his arrest in July and was handed a 20-year prison sentence earlier this month.

12 October 2012

Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer

PHNOM PENH - Jailed Beehive Radio owner Mam Sonando is “keeping strong” in prison, a rights activist said Thursday.

Ou Virak, head of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, met with Mam Sonando, 71, Thursday afternoon.

Mam Sonando has been in jail since his arrest in July and was handed a 20-year prison sentence earlier this month for allegedly helping foment a secessionist movement, charges Amnesty International has called “outrageous.”

“His health is still strong,” Ou Virak said. “And he is very strong mentally.”

Beehive Radio is one of the few independent broadcasters remaining in Cambodia, with most TV and radio outlets supportive of the ruling government. Beehive airs programming from the Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, Radio France International and others.

During Thursday’s visit, Mam Sonando asked that his supporters continue to rally for his release and maintained his innocence, Ou Virak said. “The truth is still the truth,” he said, quoting Mam Sonando.

Ou Virak was joined by Mam Sonando’s wife, Din Phanara, who said he will later this month appeal Phnom Penh Municipal Court’s decision.