‘Outsiders’ Accused of Interference in Sonando Case

8 October 2012
The Cambodia Daily
Judiciary and courts
Activists / anti-government movement / Beehive radio station owner / court system / Foreign Affairs Ministry / Foreign Donors / freedom of expression / human rights groups / Insurrection / judicial system / Mam Sonando / ruling party / secessionist plot

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has fired back at criticism over the conviction of independent radio station owner Mam Sonando on insurrection charges, accusing “outsiders” of seeking to interfere in the judicial system. …

Supporters say the case against Mr. Sonando for allegedly leading an anti-government movement was politically motivated, and his hefty sentence was designed to silence a government critic; Mr. Sonando’s Beehive Radio was one of the few stations to air reports critical of the ruling party. …

But in a statement dated Friday, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong denied any government interference in the trial, and maintained that the court system is independent. …

Mr. Sonando has one month to appeal the October 1 verdict. Mr. Sonando’s wife, Dinn Phanara, said yesterday that her husband would file an appeal soon but would not specify when.

http://www.cambodiadaily.com/outsiders-accused-of-interference-in-sonando-case/