Jailed Australian filmmaker James Ricketson will seek a royal pardon from the Cambodian King, instead of appealing his conviction for espionage.

Key points:

• James Ricketson was arrested in Cambodia in June 2017 after flying a drone over a political rally
• His son says he has decided to ask for a royal pardon instead of filing an appeal of his espionage conviction
• Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne says Australian Government will support Mr Ricketson's bid

 

Mr Ricketson, 69, was found guilty by a Cambodian court late last week, after allegations he had been using his documentary projects and humanitarian work to collect information that would jeopardise national security.

He was arrested in June 2017 a day after flying a drone over a political rally.

Soon after, government-friendly media outlets began to describe him as an "important spy", and part of a plot led by the United States to overthrow Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has ruled the country for more than 30 years.

 

read more http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-06/ricketson-to-launch-formal-bid-for-clemency/10207784

Hun Sen seems quite adept a tap dancing on thin ice.  His rule sadly sees no end.  He doesn't want the rest of Cambodia getting any ideas.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-21/australian-filmmaker-james-ricketson-pardoned-for-espionage/10292752

duplicate

Edited September 21, 20187 yr by Old Croc