Interior Minister Sar Kheng said Tuesday the June 5 commune election was free and fair, while his son earlier advocated for local officials to serve citizens even if they voted for the opposition.
Kheng was speaking at a graduation ceremony in Battambang province when he dismissed political parties complaining about election irregularities. He said the election was uneventful with no violence, threats and killings. He proposed unity now that balloting is over.
“No matter which party they come from, when we enter the same box we will work together for the benefit of the people,” he said.
The election was plagued with irregularities and opposition parties have alleged official harassment of candidates and activists.
Speaking ten days earlier, Sar Sokha, Kheng’s son and education ministry official, made a similar plea to local officials to not discriminate against opposition voters even if they disagree on the issues.
“So, our leadership at the communes need to have high responsibility and especially need to understand that because they did not support us that does not mean they hate us because our leadership is not skillful or having a shortfall at any point.”
by Nat Sopheap and Duch Udom
Seng Theary Staying ‘Strong’ In Preah Vihear Prison: Lawyer
Recently convicted opposition supporter Seng Theary will appeal her six-year prison sentence, her lawyer said Thursday, and was keeping good spirits after she was transferred to a Preah Vihear prison.
Theary was convicted with 50 other CNRP leaders and activists for incitement and plotting and sentenced to six years in prison. She was first sent to Correctional Center 2 in Phnom Penh but transferred to Preah Vihear provincial prison.
Choung Chou Ngy, Theary’s lawyer, met with his client on Thursday and said she had decided to appeal the conviction. He added that she was healthy and adjusting to life in prison.
“She is friendly and her health is okay. There is no problem,” he said. “She is strong.”
Chou Ngy also criticized prison officials for blocking his visit with Theary on June 14 when she was at the Phnom Penh prison, the day she was convicted, and hoped officials would follow the rules that allow a lawyer to visit their client in prison.
by Ouch Sony