Verdict Due October 1 in Trial of Jailed Radio Station Owner

On the fourth and final day of his trial for alleged involvement in a secessionist movement, independent radio station owner Mam Sonando told the court on Friday that he had returned to Cambodia from the U.S. to stand the trial because he was innocent. Mr. Sonando, 71, also used his final remarks to the court to ask for leniency for others who had also been charged by the government with involvement in the alleged secessionist group, and he denounced those who had joined his Association of Democrats organization and then allegedly used their membership to promote wrongdoing. … Presiding Judge Chaing Sinath said that he would announce a verdict on October 1. …