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Cambodian Center for Human Rights
Press Release
Phnom Penh: 23 September 2009
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THE CCHR WELCOMES THE ACQUITTAL OF HO VANN
Phnom Penh: 23 September 2009
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THE CCHR WELCOMES THE ACQUITTAL OF HO VANN
The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) welcomes the decision by Judge Sin Visal of the Phnom Penh Court of First Instance to dismiss the charge of defamation against Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Ho Vann, arising from a complaint made by 22 officers of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
In his verdict on 22 September 2009 Judge Sin Visal stated that there was insufficient evidence to convict Ho Vann of the defamation charge. The CCHR commends this decision which can perhaps be viewed as the green shoots of judicial independence in Cambodia. Such progress is very welcome.
The CCHR recalls that Cambodia Law provides that Ho Vann’s parliamentary immunity will be automatically restored.
The CCHR is concerned with the fines imposed against Neou Vannarin and Kevin Doyle of the Cambodia Daily, and urges the Cambodian judiciary to respect freedom of expression. Nevertheless, the CCHR commends Judge Sin Visal for his decision to acquit Ho Vann, and hopes that this represents a new departure on the part of the Cambodian judiciary whereby independence and impartiality will be guaranteed.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ou Virak, President, CCHR
Tel: +855 12 404051
Email: ouvirak@cchrcambodia.org
In his verdict on 22 September 2009 Judge Sin Visal stated that there was insufficient evidence to convict Ho Vann of the defamation charge. The CCHR commends this decision which can perhaps be viewed as the green shoots of judicial independence in Cambodia. Such progress is very welcome.
The CCHR recalls that Cambodia Law provides that Ho Vann’s parliamentary immunity will be automatically restored.
The CCHR is concerned with the fines imposed against Neou Vannarin and Kevin Doyle of the Cambodia Daily, and urges the Cambodian judiciary to respect freedom of expression. Nevertheless, the CCHR commends Judge Sin Visal for his decision to acquit Ho Vann, and hopes that this represents a new departure on the part of the Cambodian judiciary whereby independence and impartiality will be guaranteed.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ou Virak, President, CCHR
Tel: +855 12 404051
Email: ouvirak@cchrcambodia.org
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