PRESS RELEASE – Phnom
Penh, 6 June 2013
CCHR
expresses grave concern relating to the potential impact of a Khmer Rouge
crimes denial law on Freedom of Expression in Cambodia
The Cambodian Center for Human Rights
(“CCHR”) is gravely concerned that the new draft law
on the Denial of Crimes Committed During Democratic Kampuchea (the
“Denial Law”) called for by Prime Minister Hun Sen, if passed, will restrict
freedom of expression through placing illegitimate limitations on public
discussion, research, and education about the Khmer Rouge era, as well as
attempting to legitimize the stifling of opposition voices.
Following
the release by the Royal Government of Cambodia (the “RGC”) of alleged comments
made by acting opposition leader, Kem Sokha, apparently denying the crimes
perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge at torture prison Toul Sleng, the Prime Minister
himself suggested the adoption of the Denial Law. The Denial Law, which was
quickly drafted last week by the Permanent Committee of the National Assembly,
states that anyone who refuses to recognize, denies, opposes the existence of
or promotes the crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge era could face up to
two years imprisonment and up four million riel (1,000USD) in fines. It is set
to be debated at a specially convened session of the National Assembly on 7
June. The haste with which the law has been drafted and approved for debate,
less than eight weeks before the national elections, suggests that it is
politically motivated.
CCHR
in no way supports the denial of crimes committed under the Khmer Rouge, but
believes that the Denial Law is unnecessary and would be contrary to provisions
protecting freedom of expression both under the Constitution of the Kingdom of
Cambodia and international human rights treaties to which Cambodia is a party.
Education, debate, discussion and research into the Khmer Rouge era are
essential in helping the country to move on and to prevent similar events from
reoccurring. A law aiming to restrict opinions and debate about the crimes
perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge could potentially stifle such invaluable
discussion. Furthermore, the Denial Law could be used as a political tool to
stifle dissent and to control dialogue regarding the Khmer Rouge.
CCHR President Ou Virak comments:
“CCHR does not deny any of the crimes that
took place in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge era; however, we do not see how a
law prohibiting such denial is necessary. Restricting debate, discussion and education about the
Khmer Rouge period through such a law would be to the detriment of survivors,
rather than for their benefit. The law is therefore a blatant politicization of
our country’s history in order to score points before the national elections.
It is also a shame that the government chooses to act so quickly to pass a law
that could restrict free expression, whereas laws to improve the situation,
such as an access to information law, have been put on the long finger for
years.”
Please kindly find the press release attached both in Khmer and English.
Kind Regards,
CCHR
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