Cambodia arrests man who distributed leaflets accusing Vietnam

Phnom Penh authorities have just arrested an opposition party member for distributing leaflets slandering Vietnam.

Chhea Tang Sorn, 64, was arrested by Cambodian authorities over the weekend for distributing leaflets accusing Vietnam of planning to "destroy Cambodia with poisonous food and corrupt government officials," Cambodia Daily reported, citing Chhun Sareth, Takeo Province Police Chief.

A member of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Mr. Sorn serves as vice chairman of the Prey Kabbas district committee in Takeo province. When Mr. Pol Ham, who temporarily took over as CNRP chairman while other leaders were away, visited Prey Kabbas district late last month, Mr. Sorn distributed leaflets slandering Vietnam.

Mr. Chlea Tang Sorn, standing, was arrested for distributing leaflets slandering Vietnam. Photo: PhnomPenhPost

"We arrested him, saying that distributing these leaflets affected national security. After interrogation, he admitted that he had done it," Mr. Sareth said.

After being detained, Sorn paid a fine of $750 yesterday and was released.

In mid-August, Cambodia arrested Sam Rainsy Party MP Hong Sok Hour for posting fake documents related to the Vietnam-Cambodia border on Facebook. He was charged with treason, stripped of his immunity and could face up to 17 years in prison. Sok Hour has played a key role in the CNRP’s three-month campaign accusing the Cambodian government of using inaccurate maps to demarcate the border with Vietnam.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on August 7 once again rejected the opposition's accusations and called on the CNRP to submit the map they possess for verification by the government and the border affairs committee.

In another development, Mr. Sam Rainsy, leader of the CNRP, on September 4 asked the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the CNRP to cooperate to protest against Vietnam's "border violation". CPP spokesman Sok Eysan affirmed that there was no such cooperation and that Mr. Rainsy should exercise restraint when mentioning the border issue with Vietnam.

"The border issue is the government's responsibility and not a matter between one party and another. We will not let him participate in solving it. The CPP is the ruling party so the government can solve border issues with neighboring countries," Mr. Eysan affirmed.

According to VNE