Cambodia: Re-trial on $150,000 Defamation Damages in High-Profile Case

The Phnom Penh Court of Appeal on the morning of August 4, 2026, held a hearing on the appeal of the defendant, Yang Pak, who objects to the order to pay 600 million riels (approximately $150,000 USD) in moral damages to Mr. Preap Kol, the civil party in the case. This case was sent back to the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal by the Supreme Court for retrial, specifically on the point related to moral damages, after the defendant continued to appeal to the Supreme Court. The hearing was presided over by Mr. Kouv Sao, President of the Trial Chamber, with four other judges participating. According to the judgment of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, Yang Pak was sentenced to one year in prison and ordered to pay 600 million riels in moral damages to Mr. Preap Kol, the civil party. The defendant was accused by the prosecutor of incitement to discrimination and incitement to commit a crime, under Articles 494, 495, and 496 of the Penal Code. After the Phnom Penh Municipal Court issued its decision, the defendant, Yang Pak, appealed to the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal, but the Court of Appeal decided to uphold the Municipal Court's judgment. Subsequently, he continued to appeal to the Supreme Court, which later returned the case to the Court of Appeal for review and retrial on the issue of moral damages. During the hearing, Mr. Yang Pak, who is disabled in his left leg and uses crutches, requested the Trial Chamber to consider his living conditions. He stated that he had already served his one-year prison sentence, but currently has no job and is unable to pay the 600 million riel amount. He clarified that his wife works as a factory worker. Mr. Yang Pak requested the panel of judges to consider and reduce the moral damages to 10 million riels (approximately $2,500 USD). However, the lawyer for Mr. Preap Kol objected to the defendant's request, asking the Trial Chamber to uphold the lower courts' decisions. The lawyer argued that the defendant's writings and accusations, without sufficient supporting evidence, have severely damaged the honor, dignity, and integrity of his client, and that he cannot accept such accusations. The Phnom Penh Court of Appeal will announce its verdict in this case on the morning of August 18, 2026. All rights reserved by CEN