Mu Sochua and Yim Sovan (R) surrounded by female supporters in press conference on 15th July, 2010.By Khmerization
Sources: CEN and Koh Santepheap
The dateline for Mu Sochua to pay fine has expired yesterday, 15th July, and yet there is not sign that she will be arrested any time sooner.
Mu Sochua has stood firm on her refusal to pay fine for defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen, a conviction she said was politically manufactured by a non-independent and biased court. She maintains her innocence, but has chosen to go to jail rather than pay the fine. "I will not pay the fine. I have decided to go to jail", she said in a press conference on yesterday.
"It is time that the general population join hands with the democrats to push for reforms in the Cambodian judicial system so that it is neutral, non-biased and not staying under the influence of any ruling politicians. We must a build a court that is independent", she added.
Many feminist advocates, sex workers, textile workers, students and teachers are concerned that she might be jailed and have been actively raising the money to pay the fine for her.
A woman's group calling itself "Woman Movement in Support of Women in Politics", which claims to have members from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds including farmers and motor taxi drivers, said it is actively raising the money to pay the fine for Mu Sochua because it does not want to see her in jail.
Miss Neang Sovatana, a 23 year-old student leader of the movement, said she is raising the money for Mu Sochua because she is a model female politician who is an inspiration to young aspiring female politicians.
Mrs. Thida Khus, Secretary of the movement, said she doesn't want to see Mu Sochua go to jail, but said she supports her decision.
At the same time, the opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) and the Human Rights Party (HRP) are joining hand to write a petition to King Sihamoni to pardon Mu Sochua.
Mr. Yim Sovan, spokesman for the SRP, said the king, as the chairman of the Supreme Council of Magistracy, is given powers by the constitution to guarantee the neutrality and independence of the court. Mr. Ou Chanrith, an MP and a representative from the HRP, concurred Mr. Yim Sovan's comments.
Mr. Tith Sothea, spokesman for the Quick and Press Reaction Unit, said Mu Sochua is trying to walk away from democracy and the rule of laws, the very tenets she is advocating. He added that the king can not interfere in the affairs of the court.
Sources: CEN and Koh Santepheap
The dateline for Mu Sochua to pay fine has expired yesterday, 15th July, and yet there is not sign that she will be arrested any time sooner.
Mu Sochua has stood firm on her refusal to pay fine for defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen, a conviction she said was politically manufactured by a non-independent and biased court. She maintains her innocence, but has chosen to go to jail rather than pay the fine. "I will not pay the fine. I have decided to go to jail", she said in a press conference on yesterday.
"It is time that the general population join hands with the democrats to push for reforms in the Cambodian judicial system so that it is neutral, non-biased and not staying under the influence of any ruling politicians. We must a build a court that is independent", she added.
Many feminist advocates, sex workers, textile workers, students and teachers are concerned that she might be jailed and have been actively raising the money to pay the fine for her.
A woman's group calling itself "Woman Movement in Support of Women in Politics", which claims to have members from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds including farmers and motor taxi drivers, said it is actively raising the money to pay the fine for Mu Sochua because it does not want to see her in jail.
Miss Neang Sovatana, a 23 year-old student leader of the movement, said she is raising the money for Mu Sochua because she is a model female politician who is an inspiration to young aspiring female politicians.
Mrs. Thida Khus, Secretary of the movement, said she doesn't want to see Mu Sochua go to jail, but said she supports her decision.
At the same time, the opposition Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) and the Human Rights Party (HRP) are joining hand to write a petition to King Sihamoni to pardon Mu Sochua.
Mr. Yim Sovan, spokesman for the SRP, said the king, as the chairman of the Supreme Council of Magistracy, is given powers by the constitution to guarantee the neutrality and independence of the court. Mr. Ou Chanrith, an MP and a representative from the HRP, concurred Mr. Yim Sovan's comments.
Mr. Tith Sothea, spokesman for the Quick and Press Reaction Unit, said Mu Sochua is trying to walk away from democracy and the rule of laws, the very tenets she is advocating. He added that the king can not interfere in the affairs of the court.
No comments:
Post a Comment