Sokha Gets Summoned

Kem Sokha, the acting president of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), will be summoned to court on May 11 over the defamation lawsuit filed by Thy Sovanntha, while two other CNRP members will be summoned later this month over the sex scandal involving Mr. Sokha’s alleged mistress Khom Chandaraty. Ms. Sovanntha, 20, filed the defamation case against Mr. Sokha after a series of recorded phone calls allegedly between Mr. Sokha and Ms. Chandaraty were leaked online, with the voice allegedly of Mr. Sokha claiming Ms. Sovanntha used her reputation as a CNRP activist for her own benefit and to steal money from overseas donors. During questioning by Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) officials last week, Ms. Sovanntha denied claims she was bringing the case forward at the request of a political patron and demanded $1 million in damages be awarded to her, saying the recordings tarnished her honor and dignity.

She also said Mr. Sokha should be charged with sex trafficking, claiming he took Ms. Chandaraty on a trip to Bangkok. Court prosecutor Keo Socheat also issued a summons to CNRP members To Vann Chan and Pin Ratana for May 16 after Ms. Chandaraty claimed in an open letter that the pair helped Mr. Sokha and Ms. Chandaraty in their trip to the Thai capital. She said they cheated her and made her fear for her personal safety.

Senior opposition official Son Chhay said the summons were a clear indication of the government’s power over the judicial system and the case was without legal basis. “The court has made people lose confidence and the summons of three opposition MPs shows the serious and widespread problems stemming from the ACU, which should resolve other social issues,” he said.

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