Cambodia releases 4 dissidents under pressure from U.S.
By SOPHENG CHEANG
Associated Press
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia -- Under U.S. pressure, Cambodia released four prominent government critics from a Phnom Penh prison on Tuesday but said they will still face defamation charges.
Prime Minister Hun Sen had met with Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Christopher Hill earlier in the day and promised that he would see to it that the four were released on bail. Hill was in the Cambodian capital for the opening of a new American Embassy.
The United States has condemned the arrests as part of a government campaign to neutralize opponents. Many fear Cambodia is gradually sinking into authoritarian rule under Hun Sen.
The four critics are radio journalist Mom Sonando, union leader Rong Chhun, and social activists Kem Sokha and Pa Nguon Tieng, both of the U.S.-funded Cambodian Center for Human Rights.
Hun Sen sued them and several others for criminal defamation for criticizing him about a border demarcation pact he signed with neighboring Vietnam in October. They allegedly implied he did not look after Cambodia's national interests in the deal, instead favoring its bigger neighbor.
In his meeting with Hill, Hun Sen said he would ask a Cambodian court to release them on bail, Om Yentieng, an adviser to Hun Sen, told reporters after the talks between the prime minister and the U.S. envoy.
The adviser quoted Hun Sen as saying the gesture was "a gift for Mr. Christopher Hill on the inauguration of the new U.S. Embassy."
Speaking at a news conference at the embassy, Hill welcomed the release.
"I think it's a positive step but I'd like to see it followed up by other steps," he said. "Clearly our interest would be to see that this judicial process not go forward and that these people can be free to go about their lives."
More than 100 supporters greeted the four activists as they walked out of the prison hand in hand. Many were holding lighted candles, having kept a vigil for the men's release. Seven Buddhist monks chanted blessings.
"I thank the Cambodian people for supporting me," Kem Sokha said, raising a clenched fist. The crowd responded with cries of "Long live democracy!"
Om Yentieng said that the granting of bail did not mean that the defamation charges will be dropped.
"They will have to show up at court the day their trials begin," he said
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