SRP-NA Press Release Statement in the Appeal Case of Mrs. Mu Sochua

Source: SRP North America

10/28/2009

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

The Sam Rainsy Party of North America (SRP-NA) is not at all surprised to see the Cambodian appeal court ruled in favor of its ruler, Prime Minister Hun Sen. It has not been the first, nor the last in a series of the country court's ruling against all critics of its government.

While the court could have used the opportunity to exert its power and judicial independency, it has unfortunately chosen to resign to either the government pressure and/or its own incompetency in reading the law concerning the case.

The Cambodian courts have proved to be completely indebt in its own interpretation of the law, particularly when it comes to constitutional rights of any critics of the Cambodian government. In this case, the courts have merely functioned as a legal biased entity, in favor of the government's argument.

MP Mu Sochua's basic rights and dignity, along with other critics have been violated, once again in favor of the country's most powerful person. In this case, the prime minister of the country who could say or do no wrongs, in any event.

We call on international community and donors' countries to help ensure independency of Cambodia's justice system in order to protect human rights and dignities across the nation.