Cambodia: Appeal Court Hears Defamation Case Against Former Opposition Party Member

The Phnom Penh Court of Appeal on September 22, 2024, held a hearing on the appeal filed by a former member and supporter of the League for Democracy Party (LDP). The individual was sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for defamation and insult against the party leader. The accused had claimed on social media that the party leader had defrauded supporters of over $10 million and was living in seclusion near Phnom Kulen in Siem Reap province, keeping numerous dogs. Presiding Judge Teng Ratana stated that the accused, identified as Chhuon Chhean, a 44-year-old male driver and former LDP supporter, was convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on November 25, 2025. The initial sentence included 1 year and 6 months imprisonment and a fine of 5 million Riel (approximately $1,250), to be paid to the state treasury. Additionally, the court ordered the accused to pay 40 million Riel (approximately $10,000) in moral damages to the LDP as the civil plaintiff. The charges against the accused include incitement to discrimination, public defamation, and public insult. He was arrested in 2025 following a complaint from the civil plaintiff. In his social media posts and Telegram messages, Chhuon Chhean had referred to the LDP leader as a "Brahma who defrauded over $10 million from his supporters?" and a "crazy Brahma raising dogs?" He also allegedly insulted the LDP leader's staunch supporters, calling them "face-down Brahma believers!" and "Phnom Kulen Brahma swindlers?" During the appeal hearing, Chhuon Chhean acknowledged writing the posts read by the court. He stated that while he could accept the 18-month prison sentence from the lower court, he lacked the financial means to pay the 5 million Riel fine and the 40 million Riel in moral damages. He requested the Court of Appeal to reduce the moral damages to only 4 million Riel, citing his inability to raise the funds. The Phnom Penh Court of Appeal is scheduled to announce its verdict in this case on the morning of October 13, 2024. Information Source: CEN Cambodia