Moeung Sonn Threatened to Sue Soy Sopheap over Defamation

On June 1, 2009 Moeung Sonn, the president of the Khmer Civilization Foundation (KCF), said he would file a complaint against Soy Sopheap, CTN commentator, for defamation and provocation in remarks that appeared in print and on air.

The case resulted in like this was because in late April, KCF had put blamed on Thai troops, who had fired with Khmer soldiers over Preah Vihear Temple and the case had destroyed some pieces on the temple. Related to the damages by Thai bullets which shot at some points on the temple, Mr. Moeung Sonn, whose work is to preserve all kinds of Khmer advantages; especially related to ancient cultural heritage, set the cost of damages to the Preah Vihear market of $9.2 million . The number had been estimated after the attack on 3^rd and 5^th of April, 2009.

For this reason the group submitted a request for restitution of $9.2 million, in compensation for the loss of property and businesses, as well as for mental health issues. However, the commentate verbally criticized such conscience activity as the incitement of more serious war between the two neighboring countries. Soy Sopheap saw the act as the way to save face value and for own advantages.

However, Mr. Moeung Sonn denied what the commentator had mentioned on CNT screen. He worried that such an criticism might cause political issue for him. For the same case, Mr. Moeung Sonn had become the subject of political matters over and over against although he was trying to ask Soy Sopheap to stop. Therefore, he decided to take legal action against this notorious commentator for his speech.

However, his case has not been taken into consideration by Phnom Penh Municipal Court. In contrast it was reported that Soy Sopheap, who is also the premier's consultant, planned to countersue Mr. Moeung Sonn.