Friday, 23 January 2009

Sam Rainsy seeks delay in NEC suit

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Meas Sokchea
Thursday, 22 January 2009

Criticises court for no action on his CPP suit

OPPOSITION leader Sam Rainsy on Wednesday said he would seek to postpone a lawsuit brought against him by the National Election Committee (NEC), claiming that his busy schedule would not allow him to appear in court.

The election committee fined the SRP president for making derogatory remarks about the leaders of the ruling Cambodian People's Party during national elections in July last year.

Sam Rainsy said he would be speaking to his lawyer about a delay, adding that he could not explain why the Municipal Court was only acting on one side of the issue.

Selective justice?

"Why hasn't the court taken action on the SRP lawsuit against the NEC and commune chiefs and leaders of the Cambodian People's Party for voting irregularities during the national election?" he asked.
"This is a big issue, and we have lodged a complaint with the court, but it has taken no action except to bring the NEC lawsuit against me," he said.

Sam Rainsy was subpoenaed by the Municipal Court earlier this month and ordered to appear on Tuesday to pay a fine of 10 million riels (US$2,391).

Ouk Savuth, chief prosecutor at the court, told the Post Wednesday that he was acting in strict accordance with the laws of Cambodia in proceeding with the lawsuit.

He added that the court will take action on all legal complaints but could offer no indication of when or if the court would hear Sam Rainsy's case against the NEC.

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