On 25 January 2011, the final verdict will be given in the case of human rights defender Mr Sam Chankea at the Kg. Chhnang Provincial Court in Cambodia. Sam Chankea, who is Coordinator of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) in Kampong Chhnang, and particularly active in issues related to land rights, is charged with defaming the work of a private company.

Further Information

On 18 January 2011, Sam Chankea appeared before Kg Chhnang Provincial Court on charges of defamation against the work of the KDC International Company, which is owned by the wife of the Cambodian Minister for Mining and Energy. It is reported that during the hearing, the judge stated that he would give his final verdict in the case on 25 January 2011.

The charges against Sam Chankea reportedly relate to a radio interview, broadcast on 26 December 2010, in which Sam Chankea alleged that the aforementioned company had violated the law by refusing to suspend certain activities despite the fact that a court case in relation thereto was ongoing and awaiting judgement.

The allegations were made in reference to a long-standing dispute which is now the subject of an ongoing court battle between the KDC International Company and over 100 families who allege violations against them including land-grabbing, bulldozing of land, and damage to property.

Front Line believes that the judicial harassment against Sam Chankea is directly related to his legitimate and peaceful work in defence of human rights, and constitutes a violation of his right to freedom of expression guaranteed by, inter alia, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.