On 23 August 1996 at 10:30 hours, the Supreme Court upheld a prior conviction and sentenced Hen Vipeak, former editor-in-chief of “Sereipheap Thmei” (“New Liberty News”), to one year in prison and fined him 5 million riel (US$ 2,500) for libel. He was convicted under Article 62 of the UNTAC Law (which dates back to […]
On 23 August 1996 at 10:30 hours, the Supreme Court upheld a prior
conviction and sentenced Hen Vipeak, former editor-in-chief of
“Sereipheap Thmei” (“New Liberty News”), to one year in prison and
fined him 5 million riel (US$ 2,500) for libel.
He was convicted under Article 62 of the UNTAC Law (which dates
back to when Cambodia was under United Nations Transitory
Administration, or UNTAC). RSF points out, however, that the UNTAC
Law has since been replaced by Article 21 of Cambodia’s new press
law, which specifies that any old laws governing the press are
considered nul and void. RSF explains that the UNTAC Law was to be
valid only until elections were held in Cambodia. Although
elections were held, Cambodia has not put in place a penal code.
For imprisonment, the press law refers to provisions in the non-
existent penal code.
Vipeak was convicted for libel for calling Cambodia’s prime
ministers thieves in a February 1995 article titled “Country of
Thieves”. In the article, Vipeak denounced government corruption
and called First Prime Minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh and
Second Prime Minister Hun Sen “chiefs of the thieves.”
On 26 August, King Norodom Sihanouk reportedly asked the two prime
ministers for the authorization to pardon Vipeak. Vipeak has not
yet been pardoned, pending the prime ministers’ decision.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Cambodia’s First Prime Minister:
in Cambodia over the last two years
and contrary to international standards for press freedom
papers and journalists are charged, such legal action be taken
within international standards for fair trials
Vipeak is pardoned
instruments to which Cambodia is signatory, everything be done to
protect the safety of journalists in Cambodia
Appeals To
Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh
First Prime Minister
Office of the Council of Ministers
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Fax: +855 23 26144
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
