Saturday, 8 August 2009

EU voices concern over freedom of expression in Cambodia+

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 7 (AP) - (Kyodo)—The European Union expressed concern to the Cambodian government Friday over the freedom of expression and the rule of law in the country.

The EU message of concern came three days after a Cambodian court ordered an opposition lawmaker to pay 16,500,000 riel ($4,000) in fines after she was convicted in a defamation lawsuit filed by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Phay Siphan, a spokesman of the Council of Ministers, said the Cambodian government respects the concern of its critics and insisted that the government observes the rule of law and ensures that freedom of expression is fully respected.

Representatives of the European Union in Phnom Penh met with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to convey the European Union's concerns, the EU office in Phnom Penh said in a statement.

"The EU expressed concern in this context over a number of instances in which criminal charges of defamation and disinformation have been used against representatives of civil society, the media and the political opposition," the statement said.

The European Union urged the Cambodian government to take actions to ensure that it conforms to national and international commitments on human rights.

Cambodian and international human rights groups have also expressed concern over the freedom of expression in Cambodia.

According to Club of Cambodian Journalists, eight defamation suits have been filed against Cambodian reporters since early this year.

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