NACD's Mok Dara brought in for questioning

Mok Dara (Photo: DAP-news)

Cambodian police question head of anti-drugs office

Jan 12, 2011
DPA

Phnom Penh - The head of Cambodia's anti-drugs office was in custody and being questioned on unspecified charges, a government spokesman confirmed Wednesday.

General Mok Dara, the secretary-general of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), was taken in for questioning by police earlier in the day.

'The Cambodian national police have cooperated with the Anti-Corruption Unit to ask Mok Dara to come for questioning, and up to now, Mok Dara is under the control of the authorities,' said Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak.

He added that the case was linked to the recent arrest of a senior police officer, Hun Hean.

Hun Hean, who was the provincial police chief for the western province of Banteay Meanchey, was along with his deputy on suspicion of accepting bribes and involvement in drug trafficking.

Hun Hean - no relation to Prime Minister Hun Sen - told local media the allegations were untrue.

A recent report by the NACD stated that drugs-related arrests were up sharply in 2010 over the previous year, with 536 people arrested in the nine months to end September 2010. Around 470 were arrested in 2009.

Hun Xen warns to arrest those who insult government officials as being TRAITORS

Dictator-cum-TRAITOR?

11 Jan 2011
Tin Zakariya
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Soy
Click here to read the article in Khmer

Hun Xen sent an open message to all non-ruling political parties that any political competition can take place, but he warns that they cannot paint him and insult him as “TRAITOR”.

Hun Xen announced his warning to all those who criticize and insult high-ranking government officials, telling them to stop the criticisms immediately, otherwise, all these people will face arrest, even if they are MPs with parliamentary immunity.

Hun Xen made this warning announcement during the distribution of diplomas for students at the education institute in Phnom Penh on Monday 10 January.

Hun Xen claims that, even if Cambodia has many political parties competing for votes, the painting of high ranking government VIPs is not allowed: “Even if you have immunity, even with the mother of all immunity, I will attack you, I tell you now! You can curse anything, you can curse the 07 January, but don’t curse with the word ‘TRAITOR’ because you received voted from the people. Therefore, we have to take action, others don’t interfere, foreigners don’t interfere. Would PMs in other countries allow others to curse them ‘TRAITORS of the NATION’? Would Presidents in the world allow other to curse them ‘TRAITORS of the NATION’? I am telling you now, just in case problem will occur.”

Nevertheless, SRP MP Mu Sochua, a high ranking opposition member, reacted by saying that Hun Xen is putting pressure on the freedom of expression once again. However, she claimed that the SRP is not surprised nor is it scared about this warning.

Mrs. Mu Sochua added: “Those who speak out, they dare take responsibility, they have reasons to speak out, and I believe that all those people dare face history. Therefore, I believe that such prevention [by Hun Xen] cannot bring justice to freedom expression for those who speak out. If the justice system in Cambodia is an independent institution, I believe that there wouldn’t be such warning.”

On 18 Dec 2010, Seng Kunakar, the security head for a WFP rice warehouse in Russei Keo district, was arrested and immediately sent to the Phnom Penh court in the afternoon of that same day for an expedited court hearing regarding border issues between Cambodia and Vietnam which he printed from the KI-Media website. On Sunday 19 Dec 2010, Seng Kunakar was sentenced by the court to 6 months in jail and he was ordered to pay a fine of 1 million riels ($250) stemming from Articles 494 and 495 of the new criminal code.

After the court sentenced Seng Kunakar and the warning issued by Hun Xen, human rights activists and opposition officials indicated that the government is using the new criminal code and the justice system to sentence those who provide constructive criticisms on the government.

Groups Join Workshop With NGO Law Concerns

Cambodian NGOs at a social forum. (Photo: VOA Khmer)

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Monday, 10 January 2011

“The draft law in its current form, will restrict the work of these organizations, as it places significant barriers on their registration and implementation of their work. The effect will be to reduce funding for the many important development projects currently delivered in collaboration with the government and to reduce potential new funding sources for long-term development.”

Interior Minister Sar Kheng ruled out concerns from non-governmental groups on Monday that a new draft law will prompt threats or attacks on them.

The NGO Law seeks tighter controls on the myriad non-governmental agencies that exist in Cambodia, but critics say it creates tangles of red tape that could be used to attack groups that don't follow the government line.

Sar Kheng told some 300 participants at the outset of a workshop on the law on Monday that the government “has no intention of threatening or pressuring associations or non-governmental organizations.”

The government allows at least 3,000 NGOs to operate, he said, and was allowing a discussion on the new law this week.

However, some NGOs leaders remain unconvinced.

Sin Somuny, executive director of the group Medican, said the draft law could restrict rights and freedoms by putting strict controls on NGOs and their registration processes.

“The draft law in its current form, will restrict the work of these organizations, as it places significant barriers on their registration and implementation of their work,” according to a statement released by NGOs ahead of Monday's workshop. “The effect will be to reduce funding for the many important development projects currently delivered in collaboration with the government and to reduce potential new funding sources for long-term development.”

Sar Kheng said the Interior Ministry will accept recommendations from NGOs before it submits the final draft to the Council of Ministers.

We deserve NO SUCH FATHER, Mrs. Chea Vannath!

Chea Vannath is an independent analyst in Cambodia. (Photo: Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer)

As Divisive Jan. 7 Holiday Passes, An Expert Reflects

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, D.C Monday, 10 January 2011

“Jan. 7 is the father and Oct. 23 is the mother” - Chea Vannath

Jan. 7 remains a contentious day for Cambodians, marking both the ouster of the Khmer Rouge and the beginning of Vietnamese occupation. And while Cambodian's can be bitterly divided on the day, an independent analyst says that's the “beauty of democracy.”

“We should take these differences and bind us to each other, to unite build the country,” said Chea Vannath, as a guest on “Hello VOA” Thursday.

People have different views the world over, she said, but some people understand the “art of the the win-win” and that different opinions can be a strength.

The ruling Cambodian People's Party remains a fervent supporters of the day, while denouncing those who are critical. Meanwhile, the opposition and its supporters find more to celebrate on Oct. 23, the birth day of Cambodia as a constitutional democracy.

On Jan. 7, 1979, Vietnamese forces pushed the Khmer Rouge from power. They did not leave until 1989, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Bitter civil war continued through Oct. 23, 1991, when a peace accord was reached.

Both days are important to reflect on Cambodian history, she said.

“Jan. 7 is the father and Oct. 23 is the mother,” Chea Vannath said. “Children need both a father and a mother and they can't say a father has more favor than a mother, can't say that a mother has more favor than the father.”

Youth Can 'Bridge Gap' for Legacy of Khmer Rouge

Long Khet, executive director of Youth for Peace, on 'Hello VOA' on Monday. (Photo: by Heng Reaksmey)

Pich Samnang, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Tuesday, 11 January 2011

“In our community, we've lost our values, solidarity and trust among each other, especially with the Khmer Rouge survivors.”

Youth can play a vital role in bringing back some of the trust that was lost in the Khmer Rouge and intervening war years, an youth leader said Monday.

“In our community, we've lost our values, solidarity and trust among each other, especially with the Khmer Rouge survivors,” said Long Khet, executive director of Youth for Peace, as a guest on “Hello VOA.”

“So the role of the youth in bring back inter-generational dialogue between survivors and victims and the younger generations is vital...so that we can rebuild our society,” he said.

Fear, anger, anxiety and mistrust have become everyday realities for Cambodians after the Khmer Rouge. Under the regime, people were taught to keep silent, and often their survival depended on that silence.

That has made honest dialogue rare, and fear or suspicion the norm, Long Khet said. “So the young generation plays an important role in bridging this gap.”

Those belonging to the older generation may be more likely to tell of past suffering one they know the young are interested, he said. “They would feel relieved.”

Not all survivors are convinced.

“I will feel relieved only when my mother, brothers and sisters come back to life,” a “Hello VOA” caller who gave his name as Mary said. “How can you be 'relieved' when only a few Khmer Rouge at the top were brought to justice and when those with bloodied hands under them are still living in the same village as you?”

Little Time Left To Organize Tribunal Civil Parties

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington, DC Tuesday, 11 January 2011

“They should know their individual clients, how this client suffered at what level, who is giving testimony, about which crimes.” - Theary Seng

The Khmer Rouge tribunal is now facing testimony from more than 2,000 victims that court officials must organize ahead of a trial for four senior leaders of the regime.

Around 2,120 victims who have registered as civil party complainants have been accepted from more than 4,000 applications, and it is now up to the Trial Chamber of the court to decide how they will be used.

Seng Theary, a lawyer who is also a tribunal complainant, says the short time is a concern. Little time remains for preparation, she told VOA Khmer.

Lawyers for the civil parties must study the facts of the case, the crimes and the testimony in advance of questioning of defendants, in this case the four senior-most leaders of the Khmer Rouge: Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith.

Seng Theary says that means a lot of preparation, lest civil parties be left out of the process. The trial is supposed to begin early this year.

“They should know their individual clients, how this client suffered at what level, who is giving testimony, about which crimes,” she said. “And this relates to more than 2,000 people. And each one has a deep story and needs time.”

Long Panhavuth, a tribunal monitor for the Cambodia Justice Initiative, said a tribunal management meeting should take place soon to help organize the process.

Latt Ky, who observes the tribunal for the rights group Adhoc, said civil parties are critical to the trials, and their participation lends a voice to reconciliation.

Meanwhile, the tribunal's Victims Unit has worked to coordinate meetings between lawyers and civil parties, including in the provinces, to help them prepare.

“In fact, lawyers for the civil party complainants have worked since the end of 2010,” said Im Sophea, head of the unit. “They visited grassroots, visited other target areas where victims or civil party complainants lived, in order to explain to them and identify categories of witnesses” for the trial.

Baan Muang Editorial [-On the Khmer-Thai relationship]

(Photo: Reuters)

12/01/2011
Bangkok Post

The new year has not brought good fortune for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, despite his success on some domestic issues in 2010.

Cambodia has remained a thorn in his side, thanks to the arrest of Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth and six companions by Cambodian authorities just before the end of 2010.

Mr Abhisit's leadership suffered when his initial tough talk failed to secure their early release. His Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen said he could not intervene because the case had reached the courts of justice.

The case of the seven Thais has dented the image of Mr Abhisit, who has survived two major street protests by the red-shirted United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship since he assumed the premiership in December 2008.

While his political opponents have been kept at bay, the prime minister has been unable to mend ties with Hun Sen. The ruling Democrat Party's policy on Cambodia has caused more tension than friendship across the border.

Despite the resignation of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra as Hun Sen's economic adviser, Thailand and Cambodia have been unable to resolve their differences on the Preah Vihear temple issue and territorial disputes.

With the seven Thais now in Phnom Penh jail, Prime Minister Abhisit's position has been weakened. It remains to be seen whether this will affect the government's stability.

Former Provincial Police Chief Arrested for Drug Trafficking

Hun Hean (Photo: CEN)

Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Tuesday, 11 January 2011

The recently demoted police chief of Banteay Meanchey province was arrested on Monday and is being held on suspicion of drug trafficking, officials said.

Hun Hean, who was removed from his position as chief on Friday, was being held at the Ministry of Interior for questioning late Monday, Khieu Sopheak, a spokesman for the ministry, said.

He was invited to the Ministry of Interior on Monday to explain accusations of drug smuggling and was subsequently seized by security police, Khieu Sopheak said.

Hun Hean's deputy, Chheang Son, was also arrested.

Hun Hean, who is not related to the prime minister, Hun Sen, was removed from his post following January 7 holiday celebrations and told local media he would report to the Ministry of Interior on Monday for a new assignment.

He has previously denied involvement in trafficking.

Rithy Panh's "The Rice People" will be shown in Bangkok today

Cambodian Classic

12/01/2011
Bangkok Post

Rithy Pahn is the best internationally known Cambodian film-maker, one who has been recounting the tale of tragedy and hope of his country for nearly two decades. Most chilling is his documentary S-21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine (2003), an investigation into one of the most horrible crimes ever committed against humanity.

Pahn fled the Khmer Rouge and has been living mostly in France, yet his films about Cambodia have the distinctive flavour of an insider. Today, the Alliance Francaise will screen Pahn's 1994 film Les gens de la riziere (The Rice People), at 7:30pm. The film, which employs a stark documentary style, tells the story of a rice-farming family that struggles to continue its livelihood after surviving the horror of the Khmer Rouge years.

TODAY: 7:30PM THE RICE PEOPLE

At the Alliance Francaise, Sathon Road

The film was in the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 1994 (so Cambodia beat Thailand in that regard; we first had a film in the Cannes competition, considered the most elite, in 2004). It also represented Cambodia in the Oscar nominations for best foreign language film.

Cambodian NGOs fear law will tie their hands

A service provided by a Catholic NGO in Cambodia

January 11, 2011
By Khan Sophirom, Phnom Penh
UCANews.com

Aid workers fear that a draft law to “regulate” NGOs in Cambodia is an attempt to control community organizations but Catholic groups will not be affected, says a local Church worker.

The law may affect NGOs working on sensitive issues such as human rights and may inconvenience some small village-based NGOs, according to Rene Ayala Moreira, assistant director of New Humanity, a Catholic-based NGO.

“But I think Catholic Church activities will not be affected,” Moreira told ucanews.com following a Jan. 10 consultation hosted by the interior ministry with representatives of around 400 local and international NGOs.

The meeting was to seek the views of NGOs on the draft law made public in December.

The proposed law purports to increase transparency among the country’s vast network of NGOs and to fight terrorism and crime.

Moreira said that the draft law, which includes 11 chapters and 58 articles, requires NGOs to renew their registration every year.

“If an organization does anything sensitive, it may have problems renewing its registration. Our Church NGOs mostly work with poor and vulnerable communities and on development projects. We are not working on sensitive issues,” Moreira said.

Besides New Humanity, two other Catholic NGOs — Caritas Cambodia and the Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia — participated in the consultation. The Catholic directory lists 12 Catholic NGOs in the country.

Interior minister and deputy prime minister Sar Kheng told consultation participants that the draft law is not aimed at threatening NGOs or violating their rights but is a step to prevent terrorists from misusing NGOs.

Civil society organizations last week released a statement saying the draft law confirms long-standing fears that the government desires to control rather than strengthen civil society.