Thursday, 3 June 2010

Cambodia's top court upholds defamation conviction of Hun Sen critic

via CAAI News Media

PHNOM PENH, June 2 (AP) - (Kyodo)—Cambodia's top court announced Wednesday it has upheld lower courts' conviction of an opposition lawmaker for defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen.

In August last year, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court ordered Mu Sochua, a lawmaker from the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, to pay 16,500,000 riel ($4,000) after she was convicted of defamation in a case brought against her by Hun Sen.

In October, the Court of Appeal upheld the Phnom Penh court's decision and rejected Mu Sochua's appeal.

Soon after the top court's ruling, Mu Sochua said the decision against her was "unjust" and she said she will accept jail rather than pay money to Hun Sen.

Ky tech, a lawyer for Hun Sen, said further legal action will be taken against Mu Sochua if she fails to accept the ruling.

Mu Sochua lodged a defamation suit against Hun Sen in April last year, alleging he made degrading remarks about her in a speech, Hun Sen then made a countersuit.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court dismissed Mu Sochua's lawsuit last June but continued the countersuit filed against her.

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