Hun Sen Warned International Critics on Freedom of Expression

On August 12, 2009 Prime Minister Hun Sen warned European Union (EU) over critics about ‘Freedom of Expression’. This warning took place during his participation as the presidency of the graduate ceremony at the Royal University of Law and Economics after EU has shown its concerns over freedom of expression in Cambodia; especially complaints against some SRP lawmakers, the media and NGOs activists about defamation, disinformation and incitement.

First he mentioned the case involved with SRP lawmaker Mrs. Mu Sochua as saying that he would welcome all the ways with her, through legal, political or military means. It was okay with him. Meanwhile he also cited some international NGOs and unions were not neutral, only in favor of opposition party. He said that, “Some foreigners should be away from the matters. The right on freedom of expression in Cambodia is full enough.” He continued, “I have to answer to them. I do not apologize to them, both Cambodians and Foreigners- the group of [doing press release]. I say you are crazy; you are stupid and you don’t know laws. You only acknowledged ‘the opposition group’; and you do not recognize our legal rights”.

Hun Sen emphasized that when the opposition sued against him, and he filed counter-lawsuit; some local and international NGOs criticized that. He stated that, “They put blame on me. They defamed me, and the others shouted [issue press release] only to be the opposition’s servants, the unjust group. Are you aware of laws?” He also pointed out to Mrs. Mu Sochua that, “Don’t be so hopeful. You are not Ang Zang Tju Yi of Burma at all. If I used military power, it is only two hours. Everything is over.”

On August 7, 2009 the European Union, represented by British Ambassador, German Ambassador and the European Commission Charge d’Affairs, met with the ministry’s secretary of state, Mr. Ouch Borith, to express concerns about the freedom of expression in Cambodia; particularly the instant criminal charges of defamation, disinformation and incitement against the opposition party, the media and rights activists.

They also mentioned that respect for democratic principles and human rights played the central part in the political and development relationship between the EU and Cambodia. Transparency, the rule of law, freedom of expression and open political debates were indisputable elements of democracy.