Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 18 – Spokesperson of Cambodian Ministry of Justice Chin Malin, on Wednesday, reacted to the statement of US Ambassador to Cambodia Patrick Murphy regarding the trial of Rong Chhun.

“Any party who wants to help the convict should participate in the court proceedings and give a strong testimony. Do not accuse without any evidence," Malin said.

Malin further continued that Rong Chhun's case is not an exercise of his legal rights and freedoms. Authorities have strong legal basis for judicial proceedings and convictions. Court procedure is not a restriction or suppression of freedoms of expression. Instead it is the exercise of legal means to promote democratic process in rule of law society.

Malin's reaction is made in response to the ambassador's tweet.

“The conviction of respected union leader Rong Chhun raises serious questions about freedom of speech protected in Cambodia's constitution and essential to the functioning of a democracy," Ambassador Murphy tweeted on Wednesday.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court, on 18 August, sentenced union leader Rong Chhun to two years imprisonment for his act of incitement, causing serious social unrest and violating Article 495 of the Cambodian Penal Code.
=FRESH NEWS