Topic: Judiciary and Rule of Law
Press Release: The Concern Over Parliamentarian Arresting
Pages: Published on February 7, 2005; Civil Society Coalitions including COMFREL, CHRAC, YCC, NICFEC, Star Kampuchea, NGO Forum on Cambodia, and others such as CSD, CCHR, Open Forum of Cambodia, CLEC and Advocacy and Policy Program of Pact Cambodia strongly concern on the safety and the violation of parliamentary rights of H.E Cheam Channy regarding the arrest by the Military Court on Feb 04.
We note that the arrest is not based on a specific legal procedures and sufficient element of crime, the prosecutor immediately issued an order of arrest the MP just a few hours after his immunity was suspended. On the other hand, the case is not flagrante delicto that the arrest is instantly needed to be done.
Published on November 29, 2004; On April 3, 2001 Montha Kuan (age 27) and Sai Kuan (35, mother of four children under the age of 18) were sentenced to death on drug charges in Thai courts. Despite concerns over the conduct of the arrest and prosecution, the appeals process for the Cambodian sisters has now been exhausted.
Published on October 1, 2004; This briefing paper proposes several recommendations which are required to strengthen respect for the rule of law in Cambodia. It examines key issues which must be addressed to allow the development of a healthy legal system promoting liberal democracy and human rights. Among the issues identified are: the reform of existing institutions, establishment of new commissions and legislative packages, amendments to the constitution and effective codes of conduct for officials.
Published on September 16, 2004; On Monday 13 September, Sihanoukville Provincial Court ruled that Military Police Officer Khun Torn was guilty of raping and robbing a Canadian tourist at gun point.
Published on August 5, 2004; LICADHO urges the government to fully investigate alleged crimes - including payments of thousands of dollars to Cambodian government employees - connected to the adoptions of Cambodian children to the United States.
Published on August 1, 2004; Resume of a speech done by Dr. Kek Galabru, president of LICADHO, on august 11, 2004 about required reforms in Cambodia to promote democracy, human rights and rule of law.
Published on May 1, 2004; "(...)Human rights NGOs have long seen the need for a truly independent and effective National Human Rights Commission. An NGO draft law to establish such a commission has been in discussion by a group of NGOs since 1997, when it was written, and the fact that it is still being discussed today indicates its importance in ensuring human rights in Cambodia. The controversy that it has generated in negotiations reveals the power that the proposed commission would hold to challenge human rights abuses in the country.(...)"
Open letter by Dr. Kek Galabru, President of LICADHO
Published on March 25, 2004; The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 17 local human rights NGOs, welcomes the decision on March 19, 2004, by Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge Hing Thirith, to dismiss charges against two men accused of killing union leader Chea Vichea. According to information received by CHRAC, judge Hing Thirith decided to drop the charges against Born Samnang, 23, and Sok Sam Oeun, 36, who were arrested on 27 and 28 January 2004 because his investigation had not uncovered sufficient evidence that they were involved in the January 22 murder of Chea Vichea. Hing Thirith also noted irregularities in supposed confessions made in the case, and CHRAC investigation indicated major differences between witness testimony and these supposed confessions. The above judge's decision is a step towards the independence of the judiciary.
Published on March 11, 2004; At 10:00 Morning, the Phnom Penh municipal court opened a trial to try Sam Doeun and his partner Nhim Sophea, who committed intentional killings on October 27,2003. CHRAC welcomes the court opening the hearing to try Nhim Sophea.CHRAC believes that the court should not open the trial in the criminal case in secret. CHRAC appeal to all levels of the courts to ensure transparency, respect the equality of the law and freedom to access to public information so that the people trust the Cambodian Judicial system.
Published on February 12, 2004; The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 17 local NGOs, appeals for the release of Born Sam Nang and Sok Sam Oeun, who were arrested and detained for the January 22 murder of union leader Chea Vichea. CHRAC believes there is inadequate evidence against the suspects and their arrests did not follow lawful procedures.
Published on December 19, 2003; LICADHO welcomed charges brought against two U.S. citizens in courts in the United States for alleged fraud while arranging adoptions of Cambodian children. LICADHO hoped that such investigations would deter abuses during the adoption process.
Published on October 22, 2003; CHRAC urged the Appeal Court to review the decision of the trial of Ngoun Oun in connection to the killing of Khuon Dina, saying that the court's conduct in the trial appeared to reflect bias in favor of the alleged perpetrator.
Published on October 21, 2003; CHRAC expressed concern about the Prime Minister's request for the release of five customs officials who had been arrested in conection to a drug trafficking case, saying that the Prime Minister's actions interfered with the independence of the judiciary.
Published on April 23, 2003; CHRAC expressed concern that the independence of the judiciary would be further compromised by the murder of prominent Cambodian judge Sok Sethamony.
Published on February 4, 2003; Following the anti- Thai riots of January 29th, 2003, CHRAC called on the Cambodian government to release Mom Sonando, Director of Beehive radio. CHRAC emphasized that his arrest was groundless and that proper legal procedures had not been followed.
