CHRAC Welcomes the Announcement to Decriminalize Defamation
Published on 17 February 2006; Cambodia Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC)
The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 18 local NGOs, welcomes and supports the announcement to review decriminalization defamation in the draft Penal Code by the head of the Royal Government in Kandal province on 14 February 2006 further to public appeals made by civil society including CHRAC members.
CHRAC acknowledges that the proposed plan to change defamation from a criminal offense to a civil offense shows the Government's willingness to urge and motivate citizens and civil society organizations to fully express their views in a democratic way as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia. However, this announcement is only the first step.
CHRAC would like to appeal to the Royal Government to draft specific legislation to annul the Article 63 of the 1992 UNTAC Penal Law and to remove "criminal defamation" from the new draft Penal Code that will be sent to the National Assembly for enactment.
For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Thun Saray Chairman of CHRAC and President of ADHOC Tel: 016 880 509
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun Executive Director of CDP Tel: 012 901 119
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru President of LICADHO Tel: 012 940 645
▪ Mrs. Nay Dina Executive Director of KID Tel: 011 924 286
▪ Mr. Chiv Youmeng President of KYA Tel: 012 772 271
