CHRAC Calls for a Political Solution to Sam Rainsy Case

CAMBODIAN HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT ON

CHRAC Calls for a Political Solution to Sam Rainsy Case

Phnom Penh, 26 February 2010

The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 23 NGO members, regrets to learn about a recent complaint made by the Royal Government of Cambodia against Mr. Sam Rainsy, President of the Opposition Party, in addition to his former charges which was previously tried by Svay Rieng Provincial Court.

According to the announcement made by a lawyer who is representing the Government, it is believed that the new complaint against the opposition leader with new charges had been already recently lodged to the prosecution office of Phnom Penh Municipal Court. This news makes national and international public opinions another concerns about the recent political issue in Cambodia, particularly in relation to the democracy space and the roles of the parliamentarians; namely the roles of opposition parliamentarians which are often affected by the complaints filing to the court from time to time, while other national important issues strongly need of contributions from all politicians of different political tendencies.

With regard to this matter, CHRAC is in the opinion that all Cambodian political leaders from various different political tendencies should pay more attention on national interests and bound together through a significant national reconciliation in order to solve these problems peacefully. CHRAC, therefore, urges our political leaders to mutually respect each other and negotiate with their political maturity in order to address the national issues, and for the people of Cambodia to live in a peaceful and democratic society, of which the Government has often affirmed and committed to.

For more information, please contact:
Mr. Hang Chhaya, CHRAC Chairman/KID Executive Director, Tel: 012 865 910
Mr. Sok Sam Oeun, Executive Director of CDP, Tel: 012 901 199
Ms. Sun Chansen, President of KYA, Tel: 017 788 955
Ms. Say Saravathany, Executive Director of CWCC, Tel: 092 993 358
Mr. Ny Chakrya, Coordinator of ADHOC, Tel: 011 274 959