Mu Sochua, Cambodia opposition figure. [Robert Carmichael]Hun Sen opponent loses defamation case
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
By Robert Carmichael, Phnom Penh
ABC Radio Australia
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has won a defamation case against a former women's affairs minister.
Some observers say the case, one of a number brought against government critics, is part of a concerted crackdown.
A court in Phnom Penh fined the prominent opposition MP $US4,000 after ruling she had defamed Hun Sen.
Mu Sochua was sued after she brought a defamation case against him earlier in the year.
Her case was thrown out of court several months ago.
About half of the fine must be paid to Hun Sen and the rest goes to the state.
Cambodia's courts are subject to political interference, so observers had expected a guilty verdict.
The ruling follows the hearing 12 days ago when Mu Sochua told the court she would not testify in her defence since she could not find a lawyer to represent her.
Her previous lawyer was forced to quit after coming under intense political pressure.
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Some observers say the case, one of a number brought against government critics, is part of a concerted crackdown.
A court in Phnom Penh fined the prominent opposition MP $US4,000 after ruling she had defamed Hun Sen.
Mu Sochua was sued after she brought a defamation case against him earlier in the year.
Her case was thrown out of court several months ago.
About half of the fine must be paid to Hun Sen and the rest goes to the state.
Cambodia's courts are subject to political interference, so observers had expected a guilty verdict.
The ruling follows the hearing 12 days ago when Mu Sochua told the court she would not testify in her defence since she could not find a lawyer to represent her.
Her previous lawyer was forced to quit after coming under intense political pressure.
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