Counter-attack on Mu Sochua [-CPP MPs are using any excuse to lift opposition MP's immunity]

(Photo: Cambodge Soir Hebdo)

25 April 2009
By Pen Bona
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Click here to read the article in French

The dispute between Hun Sen and SRP MP Mu Sochua is cranking up.

A government lawyer sent a lawsuit against the opposition MP following the war of words between Hun Sen and her. Ong Yentieng, Hun Sen’s advisor, told the media that the lawsuit was sent to the Phnom Penh municipal court in the afternoon of 24 April. Without providing details on the cause of the lawsuit, Ong Yentieng said that CPP MPs will meet to lift Mu Sochua’s immunity, if the tribunal would ask for it, in order to ease the investigations.
On Thursday 23 April, Mu Sochua, accompanied by Kong Sam Onn, her lawyer, held a press conference at the SRP party headquarters, she indicated that she would sue Hun Sen for defamation. “My lawsuit does not involve conflicts between a MP and the PM. This is not about an issue of rank. But, as a woman, I am suing Mr. Hun Sen,” Mu Sochua said. According to Kong Sam Onn, this lawsuit is based on Article 63 of the current penal code which could include a fine of 1 to 10 million riels ($250 to $2,500).

Regarding this dispute, during his travel to Kampot on 04 April, Hun Sen attacked “a woman” whom he declined to name her name: “In this province, there is a woman known to be a provocateur. She tripped on someone, but she accused him of unbuttoning her blouse,” Hun Sen claimed. Mu Sochua declared that she was indignant of Hun Sen’s speech. She said that Hun Sen was referring to her dispute with a CPP activist which dated to July 2008. During the general election campaign in Kampot, the SRP candidate tried to stop a car bearing the army license plate which took part in the CPP procession. Her goal was to take a picture of it to use as a proof to her complaint to the National Election Committee (NEC). During the altercation, Mu Sochua said that she sustained violence from the CPP activists. A button of her blouse popped out also. Obviously making allusion to this incident, according to Mu Sochua, Hun Sen’s aim was to attack her. But, the [coward] Hun Sen said that he did not name anyone. Therefore, the government decides to attack the SRP MP.

When reached over the phone by Cambodge Soir Hebdo on Saturday 25 April, Mu Sochua said that she is prepared for a legal fight with Hun Sen in this case. She also confirmed that her lawsuit will be brought to the court on Monday 27 April.