KNLF member tried for possessing books

A Khmer National Liberation Front (KNLF) member was tried at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday after he allegedly faked public documents and planned to distribute KNLF books aimed at overthrowing the government.

Hen Chan, 33, who heads internet affairs for the group – which the government has labelled a “terrorist” organisation – was charged with being an accomplice to treason and faking public documents after he was arrested by police in Russey Keo district on May 12, 2014, according to presiding judge Kor Vandy.

Chan was found to be in possession of more than 250 KNLF books and a fake passport, said Interior Ministry internal security police department officer Colonel Seng Sokim.

“He has always posted critical articles or stories on his KNLF’s website and has made the public misunderstand the Cambodian government’s policies,” Vandy said.

During his hearing, however, Chan denied the existence of a plot to topple the government.

“The reason why I have brought these books to Cambodia from Thailand is because I wanted to distribute them to Cambodians so they can read and know about KNLF’s vision, goals and objectives,” he told the court, asking that they drop the charges against him. “I have no intention to overthrow the government.”

A verdict is due on June 4.