RFA

 

Cambodian police have announced plans to request the extradition of a woman who publicly criticised the government’s trade talks with the United States, escalating concerns over free speech and political persecution.

 

The woman, identified as Chhin Chou from Battambang province, posted commentary online under the alias “Overseas Woman”, suggesting that recent trade negotiations with the U.S. had failed due to Cambodia’s poor human rights record. She warned that the second round of talks, due in June, would likely meet the same fate unless reforms were made.

 

Her remarks targeted Cambodia’s commerce minister and highlighted concerns that the U.S. may maintain a punitive 49% tariff on Cambodia’s key garment and footwear exports. The United States is Cambodia’s top export market, and reaching a deal is critical for Prime Minister Hun Manet’s government.

 

In response, Cambodian national police accused Chhin Chou of incitement and attempting to overthrow the government. They have confirmed they are working to have her extradited from Thailand, where she is believed to be residing.

 

Thailand has previously cooperated quietly with Cambodian authorities in returning political dissidents — often drawing criticism from international human rights groups. However, in this case, Cambodian police have uncharacteristically named the suspect publicly.

 

Thailand’s immigration bureau said on Monday it had not yet received a formal arrest request.

 

Ny Sokha, head of the Cambodian rights group Adhoc, defended Chhin Chou’s right to speak out. “This is not a criminal offence,” he said. “Freedom of expression is clearly protected by Cambodia’s constitution and international law.”

 

The case adds to a growing list of government crackdowns. Human Rights Watch reported that at least 94 critics were arrested in Cambodia last year for “incitement” or “treason”. Among them is journalist Ouk Mao, who reported on illegal logging and was arrested without a warrant earlier this month. He was released on bail Sunday but still faces multiple charges.

 

As the Cambodian government tightens its grip on dissent, the fate of Chhin Chou — and others who speak out — may signal just how far authorities are willing to go to silence critics beyond their borders.

 

-2025-05-28

Always refreshing to see somebody speaking out against a despot state, that has been run by thieving, land grabbing, serial killing billionaires for many decades now. 

 

Cambodia is not a democracy every election in the past 30 years has been a sham. 

Can't be much of a government if she's accused of overthrowing the govt. Actually I expected more from a prime minister educated in USA military college.