Senior Opposition Leaders Continue Court Battles

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Mu Sochua, a Cambodian opposition party lawmaker, looks on in front of the Phnom Penh Municipality Court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Photo: AP)

Senior opposition lawmaker Mu Sochua returned to Cambodia last week, where she is contesting a defamation verdict at the Supreme Court.

Ros Sothea, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Wednesday, 21 April 2010

On Tuesday, Sam Rainsy’s lawyer requested the establishment of a court border commission to investigate encroachment.

Senior opposition lawmaker Mu Sochua returned to Cambodia last week, where she is contesting a defamation verdict at the Supreme Court.

Mu Sochua, a member of the Sam Rainsy Party, was fined for remarks made in connection with a lawsuit against Prime Minister Hun Sen, who she claims defamed her in public speeches made last year. She had been traveling in the US.

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy himself remains in exile abroad, facing a two-year sentence on charges stemming from the destruction of border markers in Svay Rieng province, next to Vietnam.

He is also facing charges of disinformation—a potential 18-year sentence—for publishing a map on his Web site alleging border encroachment from Vietnam. On Tuesday, Sam Rainsy’s lawyer requested the establishment of a court border commission to investigate encroachment.

Court officials said Wednesday they were considering the request.