Phnom Penh, 16 July 2012 — The Cambodian Human
Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) is deeply concerned about the
arrest of Beehive radio owner Mam Sonando yesterday at his Phnom Penh
home. According to the information received, Mr. Mam faces charges of
insurrection and incitement, offenses punishable by up to 20 years in
prison (Penal Code, articles 28, 456, 457, 464, 504 and 609). His arrest
follows a speech by Prime Minister Hun Sen in which he alleged that Mr.
Mam was directly responsible for a secession attempt in Kratie
province’s Chhlong district. ADHOC is afraid these charges may be an
excuse for silencing a prominent journalist and advocate of democratic
rights, and calls on the authorities to immediately release him.
On 15 July, at about 8:00am, the police surrounded Mr. Mam’s house
and radio station and read out an arrest warrant issued by Kratie
Provincial Court. At 8:56am, he was taken away to the Ministry of
Interior. Conveniently, the arrest of Mam Sonando was carried out two
days after the end of an ASEAN meeting in Phnom Penh, and three days
after his return to Cambodia. One can only be surprised at such timing,
since secession is one of the most serious offenses in Cambodian
criminal law. Nobody has been in contact with Mr. Mam since his arrest.
He has been transferred to Phnom Penh Municipal Court today.
Mam Sonando has repeatedly denied any involvement with a land dispute
in Chhlong district’s Broma village and with Bun Ratha, who claimed to
act on behalf of Mr. Mam’s Democratic Association in the area. In May
2012, 14-year old Heng Chentha was killed by armed forces during a clash
with villagers. No investigation has been conducted into the girl’s
death. Bun Ratha has since been at large. The authorities allege he
attempted to create a “self-governing” zone within Cambodia’s territory,
but have failed to provide evidence of any parallel military or
administrative structures being put in place in Chhlong district.
In any case, acts committed by Bun Ratha—whatever their legal
qualification—are not attributable to the Democratic Association or Mam
Sonando, who have always acted within Cambodia’s legal framework and
denied involvement with Bun Ratha.
The Democratic Association, headed by Mr. Mam, is registered with the
Ministry of Interior. It aims to defend fundamental rights and
freedoms, raise awareness and encourage citizens to use their legally
protected rights. Beehive radio station, which broadcasts Radio Free
Asia and Voice of America programs, voices the concerns of the poor by
tackling social issues such as land grabbing by the powerful. ADHOC
fears legal proceedings against Mr. Mam’s may be used to close down
Beehive, one of the last media outlets that are not in line with the
government’s positions.
Yesterday’s arrest also represents a threat to Human Rights Defenders
and to freedom of expression and freedom of the media. It is a clear
message sent to those who stand up for democratic rights and criticize
the government’s policies, in particular land policies. In a shrinking
democratic space, it illustrates what United Nations Special Rapporteur
Surya Subedi has referred to as “rule by law,” rather than rule of
law—i.e., the use of courts to target individuals regarded as opponents.
ADHOC therefore calls on the authorities to immediately release Mam
Sonando and to uphold his and other journalists’ and Human Rights
Defenders’ right to free expression.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ny Chakrya, Head of Monitoring Section at ADHOC: 011 274 959
Mr. Chan Soveth, Deputy Head: 016 667 373
Mr. Nicolas Agostini, Technical Assistant: 078 405 024
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