AFEC Calls to End all Criminal Defamation Cases
Published on 1 February 2006; Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC)
The Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia (AFEC), a coalition of 27 member organizations, would like to express its deepest gratitude to all individuals, local and international NGOs, embassies, governments and international institutions who joined the recent struggle for Freedom of Expression in Cambodia. This timely and vehement support has constituted an effective influence on the Royal Government of Cambodia that led to the release on bail of five arrested individuals: journalist and radio manager Mam Sonando, unionist Rong Chhun and the NGO leaders Kem Sokha, Yeng Virak and Pa Nguon Teang.
AFEC regrets that the right to Freedom of Expression of civil rights activists has been violated. Therefore, AFEC welcomes that the Government withdraws its complaints against the above-mentioned persons, and urges that similar complaints against other individuals in Cambodia and abroad, namely Ear Channa, Men Nath, Chea Mony, Prince Sisowath Thomico, and Say Bory are also withdrawn. AFEC further hopes that all criminal defamation charges will be dropped speedily by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
“Such actions”, says Ou Virak, AFEC General Secretary, “would show that the Royal Government and the Cambodian courts respect Freedom of Expression and other human rights principles guaranteed by the Cambodian Constitution. But what we see is that the lawsuits are continued and used as a threat to silence critics of the government.”
AFEC respectfully requests that individuals already convicted of defamation, including members of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP), be granted a Royal pardon and that parliamentary immunity should be restored immediately to three members of parliament, Sam Rainsy, Chea Poch and Cheam Channy. “Such steps are vital, in the lead-up to the 2007 commune elections and the 2008 national elections, to safeguard a pluralistic democracy and the rule of law in Cambodia”, said Ou Virak in the name of AFEC.
For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Ou Virak, CCHR Advocacy and Public Relations Officer and AFEC General Secretary at 012 404 051
▪ Mr. Cheav Kim Ieng, LICADHO General Manager at 012 803 482
