Mu Sochua lodged an appeal

Mu Sochua holds candle as she left court on 4th August.

Source: Deum Ampil newspaper
Reported in Khmer by Khmerization

Mu Sochua, who was fined 8.5 million riels ($2,000) and ordered to pay 8 million riels ($1,882) compensation to Prime Minister Hun Sen after found guilty of defaming him on 4th August, has lodged an appeal on Wednesday afternoon.

"I have lodged an appeal this afternoon relating to my case with the prime minister", she told Deum Ampil by telephone.

A few days earlier, through party statement and through party spokesman, the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) said it has enough money to fines on Ms Mu Sochua's behalf should the court finds her guilty of defaming Mr. Hun Sen. They also said that the party will not appeal the decision because it is a waste of time.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon a few hours after she was found guilty, Ms Mu Sochua said she will not end this legal challenge and said she will take each step at a time.

"The Phnom Penh Municipal Court said that I have one month in which to lodge my appeal", Mu Sochua was quoted by Reaksmei Kampuchea newspaper as saying.

Mr. Sam Rainsy, the SRP president who also attended the court session and who earlier said the party wants Mu Sochua to end the case by paying the fines, said the decision whether to pay the fines or appeal the verdict is up to Mu Sochua herself.