A Southern California man who's serving a 20-year prison sentence in Cambodia is suing that government, saying he was framed by a brutal and repressive regime.

The lawsuit was filed Friday in Los Angeles federal court on behalf of Meach Sovannara and his family.

Sovannara, who lived in Long Beach, California, was spokesman for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party.

He was arrested in 2014 during a demonstration and is serving 20 years in Cambodia for insurrection. His wife and three children remain in Long Beach.

The lawsuit alleges torture through illegal detention and acts of international terrorism by the Cambodian government and the prime minister's son, Hun Manet, who heads the military and security police.

A message to the Cambodian honorary consulate in Long Beach seeking comment wasn't immediately returned.

source http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/california-man-suing-20-year-cambodian-prison-term-38320928

somehow i don't think he is going to survive two weeks prison now, let alone 20 years. A bit stupid to get involved in a demonstration in a 3rd world country

That "third world country" is his country. He is Khmer-American, dual citizenship and born in Cambodia.

That "third world country" is his country. He is Khmer-American, dual citizenship and born in Cambodia.

That makes it even more stupid as he knew what the government is like, unless he wants to be a martyr. I get sick of these people walking open eyed into danger then screeching for help when it goes wrong whether it be Cambodia, NK or Thailand,you don't openly attack such political systems.

He's got 3 Chances ,,,Buckley's ,,None and F,,,,All.

That "third world country" is his country. He is Khmer-American, dual citizenship and born in Cambodia.

That makes it even more stupid as he knew what the government is like, unless he wants to be a martyr. I get sick of these people walking open eyed into danger then screeching for help when it goes wrong whether it be Cambodia, NK or Thailand,you don't openly attack such political systems.

I fully agree, and actually despise his behaviour after reading he had a family to look after. His actions fit an imbecile.

...have to ask if he wasn't working for someone else....

...otherwise....a little over-ambitious for an individual.....

The OP clearly states he was a spokesman for the CNRP (the country's main opposition party). A long-time political activist and his arrest more related to that than the demonstration per se, which hundreds of thousands of people participated in.

Next life he will care his own country problems...

Nothing to do with Pattaya or Thailand as far as I can see

Nothing to do with Pattaya or Thailand as far as I can see

Which is why it is in the Cambodia News forum .....