Beehive Radio Owner [Mam Sonando] Falling Ill in Prison, Wife Says

           Mam Sonando supporters in front of the US embassy (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)

Mam Sonando has been in prison since his July 14 arrest, on charges he instigated a secessionist movement in Kratie province.

16 August 2012

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer

PHNOM PENH - Jailed radio station owner Mam Sonando is falling ill for a second time in detention, due to hot weather and dirty bedding, his wife said Wednesday.

Mam Sonando, the owner of Beehive Radio, which carries VOA programming, among others, has been in prison since his July 14 arrest, on charges he instigated a secessionist movement in Kratie province.

His wife, Din Phanara, said Wednesday he is suffering from diarrhea and exhaustion and that his face is swollen.

Prey Sar Prison Chief Srun Leang told VOA Khmer that the hot weather had made a number of prisoners ill recently, but he said Mam Sonando was recovering after medical treatment at the prison. “He had a little stomach ache, but when he was on intravenous drip last night, he pulled it out,” the chief said. “And then he had a high temperature. Right now his health has become better.”

Din Phanara told VOA Khmer on Monday that Beehive Radio has suffered under his arrest, since he was in charge of much of its independent programming. “Mam Sonando is the heart of Beehive Radio,” she said. “His absence has put these programs on suspension.”

Mam Sonando’s arrest has also worried members of his Association of Democrats, who say they continue to feel threatened. “We are feeling threatened physically and morally,” said Chea Bamrong, vice president of the association.