September 30, 2009
Sam Rainsy Party Seeks Protections of Freedom of Expression in the Penal
Code
PHNOM PENH - September 30 - Starting 1 October, 2009, Members of Parliament the
Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) will join the parliamentary debate on the current draft
of the Penal Code, which has been passed by the Cambodian Council of Ministers,
but must still be approved by the National Assembly.
The SRP welcomes efforts to reform the Penal Code, and recognizes many positive
provisions. However, the current draft Code unduly restricts freedom of speech
and assembly, the most fundamental of civil liberties. These freedoms allow for
participation and creativity at a time when finding solutions to poverty,
unemployment, land conflicts, corruption and other critical national issues
should be the first priority of the Government. When lawmakers, NGO workers,
journalists, trade unionists, villagers and others are not able to freely
debate new ideas and challenge the status quo, development is restricted.
The SRP is particularly concerned about the surge in criminal prosecutions for
defamation and disinformation against peaceful critics of the Government over
the past six months that have attracted the attention of national and
international sources. Based on the above facts, SRP strongly urges that
articles related to defamation and insult be removed from the Draft Penal Code.
SRP recommends and welcomes a new draft law on these issues or include them in
the current Civil Code through amendments.
For immediate release, contact: 012 788 999
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