The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 18 NGOs, is deeply concerned on resulting effects to democratic process and freedom of expression in Cambodia after seeing a series of government critics successively charged with criminal defamation under Article 63 of the 1992 UNTAC Criminal law.

A little more than two months ago, Mr. Mam Sonando, president of Beehive Radio Station, Mr. Rong Chhun, president of Independent Teachers Association, were arrested and detained in prison under warrants issued by Phnom Penh municipal court while others individual also charged fled abroad to seek asylum.

On December 22, 2005, Sam Rainsy, the leader of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, was sentenced in absentia by the Phnom Penh court to 18 months in prison and fined 56 Million Riel (US$14,000), charged with criminal defamation.

CHRAC notes that, despite the government's "iron fist" policy in respect of alleged corrupted judicial system, it still remains weak and lacks the independence necessary for genuine rule of law to apply in Cambodia. CHRAC also notes that national and international organizations have expressed serious concern on the use of criminal defamation to silence critics and weaken freedom of expression guaranteed in the Constitution of Cambodia.

CHRAC calls on the legislative and executive to repeal articles in the UNTAC law related to the offense of criminal defamation and to enact such laws, a necessary step to make defamation claims a matter of civil jurisdiction, and to stop arresting those who criticize the state's leaders. This change would improve the democratic process and allow opposition party to fulfill the important role they have in a liberal democracy.

CHRAC also appeals to the government, in the interests of the people and the nation, to drop the defamation charges against critics of the government.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun Chairman of CHRAC and Director of CDP Tel: 012 901 199
▪ Mr. Thun Saray President of ADHOC Tel: 016 880 509
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru President of LICADHO Tel: 012 802 506
▪ Mr. Yong Kim Eng President of KYA Tel: 016 828 211

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