Media StatementPhnom Penh, August 31, 2009
For Immediate Release
CCHR welcomes the Government’s decision to drop its planned lawsuit against Chea Mony
The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) welcomes the decision by the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) to refrain from taking legal action against Chea Mony, the President of the Free Trade Union of Workers in the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC).
The Cambodia Daily article headlined ‘Gov’t Won’t Seek Lawsuit Against Union Leader’ (August 31, 2009) quoted RGC spokesman and Information Minister Khieu Kanharith as stating that the RGC has dropped its plans to file a complaint against Chea Mony. This reversal follows a request by Prime Minister Hun Sen to call off the lawsuit. The RGC had previously signaled its intention to sue Chea Mony after the union leader had said that RGC officials could have been involved in the assassination of his older brother and former FTUWC President Chea Vichea.
This reversal is a positive sign for freedom of expression in Cambodia and represents tolerance and maturity on behalf of the RGC. The CCHR commends the RGC and Prime Minister Hun Sen and is hopeful that this decision reflects a new approach to freedom of expression and democratization in Cambodia.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ou Virak, President, CCHR
Tel: +855 12 40 40 51
Mr. Chheat Sreang, Project Coordinator, CCHR
Tel: +855 12 60 97 60
Email: sreang@cchrcambodia.org
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