CPP destroyed SRP signs, party alleges

Friday, 01 June 2012 

By Meas Sokchea

Phnom Penh Post

Members of the opposition Sam Rainsy Party filed one complaint to the Commune Election Commission on Wednesday, and will file another today to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court accusing officials from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party of destroying private property.

Suong Sophoan, president of the SRP Youth Movement Executive Committee, and Ly Sovichea, secretary of the Phnom Penh municipal SRP, said yesterday party members had seen CPP commune officials destroy 30 SRP banners around Phnom Penh.

In a complaint to be filed with the municipal court, the SRP claims commune chief Khat Narith ordered his assistant, Hun Tong Han, to destroy the signs.

“I am the plaintiff, and I wrote the complaint myself, suing the Tonle Bassac commune chief for ordering his assistant to destroy the SRP signs,” Suong Sophoan said, calling the two “equally guilty”.

Commune chief Khat Narith dismissed the allegation outright.

“I don’t know at all.  Provided that he has evidence that I ordered someone to destroy them, let him do it [sue],” Khat Narith said.  “It is his right.  Sue me.  I will sue back if there is no evidence.”

The SRP also filed a complaint on Wednesday with the Tonle Bassac CEC office, suing Hun Tong Han for incitement and destroying SRP signs.

“We have his photo ordering [someone] to tear down our signs,” Ly Sovichea said.

Hun Tong Han could not be reached for comment.

Heang Kim Sray, deputy chief of the CEC, said the commission was busy with election arrangements and had not yet made a decision regarding the SRP complaint.

According to Tep Nytha, of the National Election Committee, guilty parties could face fines or even removal from the voting list.