Phnom Penh (FN), August 22 – The ruling Cambodian People’s Party spokesman Sok Eysan clarified Wednesday that the series of releases of Cambodian political analyst, land activists, and journalists detained in 2016 and 2017 are the court’s discretion and procedure.

“Freeing the convicts is done based on the spirit of unity, the judicial discretion and legal procedure,” the spokesman said adding that “no pressures nor demands from the oppositions could lead to the release of the above convicts.”

Cambodian political analyst Kim Sok was released on 17 August morning. He was detained by Phnom Penh Municipal Court at Prey Sar prison, not too far from the Killing Fields. On March 2017, he was charged of accusing the ruling party as the man behind the murder of Cambodian political commentator Kem Ley, who was shot dead on July 10, 2016 at a convenience store in Phnom Penh.

Tep Vanny, a land rights activist and leader of Boeung Kak community was released on 20 August 2018. She was detained for over two years at “M2” prison, Prey Sar, charged with insulting government officials. Other three activists, namely Heng Mom, 41, Bo Chorvy, 42, and Kong Chantha, 43, were also released.

Two former Radio Free Asia reporters Oun Chhin, 49, and Yeang Sothearin, 35 were released on bails on 21 August 2018. Chhin and Sothearin were detained in 2017, charged with espionage and producing pornography.
=FRESH NEWS