New denial of justice for Cambodian reporters Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal to restore a semblance of credibility by dropping the absurd charges which combine “espionage” and “pornography” brought against Cambodian journalists Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin, whose appeal was dismissed Monday, December 30.

Their appeal was dismissed on Monday December 30, the legal nightmare continues for Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin . The two Cambodian reporters, who worked for the US radio station Radio Free Asia (RFA) before its Phnom Penh office was forced to close in August 2017, were arrested over two years ago, upstream of the ban on main opposition party. Last October , when they had already spent nine months in prison, the courts refused to drop the charges against them.

Worse, the decision taken on December 30 by the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal adds the charge of “pornography” to the charges of “espionage” initially brought against them by the investigating judge.

On November 14, 2017, in the wake of their arrest, the pro-government website Fresh News had indeed leaked information according to which the police had found pornographic material “produced with foreign nationals” on the computer of the one of the two journalists. It is on the basis of this pseudo-information that the judge decided to continue the investigation. Their lawyer has 30 days to appeal again.

With this perfectly fallacious accusation, the behavior of Cambodian justice sinks into abjectness, deplores Daniel Bastard, manager of the Asia-Pacific office of RSF. Everything in this case feels the blow set by the power in place to intimidate all Cambodian journalists. We call on the Court of Appeal to regain some semblance of credibility by dropping once and for all the ubiquitous charges against Yeang Sothearin and Uon Chhin. “

Due to the absurd charges brought against them, the two journalists had been detained 272 days in absolutely grim conditions in Prey Sar prison, as they had told in a video produced by RSF after their release on August 21 2018.

Today placed on probation, they can neither exercise their profession nor leave Cambodian territory. They also described in a second video this “sword of Damocles” which still hangs over them and their family.

Cambodia is 143rd out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index established by RSF in 2019

Copyright ©2016, Reporters Without Borders. Used with the permission of Reporters Without Borders(RSF) CS 90247 75083 Paris Cedex 02 https://rsf.org

Bridges to China, Russia Preparing to Open as North Korea Deepens Ties with Both

Satellite imagery analyzed by Radio Free Asia shows rapid progress on a new road bridge connecting North Korea and Russia across the Tumen River, while construction is also accelerating on a long-delayed bridge linking North Korea and China.

Read More

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Togo Briefs Press on “Correct the Map” Resolution

Robert Dussey, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Togolese Abroad of Togo, briefs reporters in connection with draft resolution “Correct the map”: rebalancing global cartographic representation and promoting equitable representation of the world’s regions, particularly Africa at UN Headquarters in New York.

Read More

From Rocksprings to Kerrville,Texas, Newborn Kitten Stuck in Engine Rescued

According to an animal organization, a new born kitten was saved after a lengthy trek through the Texas Hill Country. The cat was found hidden inside the engine bay of an employee’s car and had traveled more than an hour from Rocksprings to Kerrville, according to a social media post made by the City of Kerrville.

Read More

French Bulldog

Originating in England, the French Bulldog or Frenchies was created to resemble a toy Bulldog.With the exception of the wrinkles around their face and shoulders, they have a small, compact, well-proportioned, and rather strong frame.

Read More

Emergent Behavior

Emergent behavior is the term used to describe complex phenomena that result from simpler interactions within a system, frequently leading to unexpected or unprogrammed outcomes.

Read More

Informal Meeting to Hear Briefing by UN Secretary-General on UN80 Initiative

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the informal meeting of the plenary to hear a briefing by the Secretary-General on the UN80 Initiative.

Read More

Police in College Town,Georgia,Found Massive Green Alien Statue That Had Been Stolen from outside of Store

Outside Charlie’s Funky Junk Shop on West Main Street in Statesboro, Georgia, United States, a large green alien statue was stolen.The owner of the store reported the missing promotional item to the police and checked the nearby business security cameras.

Read More

St. Bernard Dog Breed

Switzerland’s national dog, the St. Bernard is named after The monk who founded a hospice to care for travelers on the dangerous paths over the Swiss Alps in the tenth century.

Read More

Our Popular You Tube Video Uploads

From Our Archive

We Do Believe that Digital Publication is the Best Way for Communication and Spreading Awareness

This Website is Run by Professionals With 15-20 Years of Journalism Experience

Learn More