Synopsis: Justices review the case of a jailed party official challenging a conviction stemming from online remarks about a police officer.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard the appeal of a former Candlelight Party official to overturn his conviction for comments posted online following a 2022 dispute with a senior police officer.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced Eng Sroy, 55, to two years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of 2 million riel and 20 million riel in compensation after finding him guilty of public defamation and incitement. The Court of Appeal upheld the decision in January.
According to court documents, Sroy had attended a discipline meeting on April 22, 2022, chaired by Lieutenant General Prak Narong, a deputy chief of the National Police Academy and Sroy’s superior. The two men had argued over political views. After leaving the meeting, Sroy had told a media outlet that Narong had slapped him and criticised his unit for corruption, partisanship and nepotism.
Narong filed a lawsuit, leading to Sroy’s arrest.
In a separate case, Sroy had received an 18-month sentence for disturbing public order during the 2023 National Election.
During Wednesday’s hearing, defence lawyer Em Chantha said the lower court rulings were unlawful because they relied on doubtful evidence. He said the plaintiff and witnesses never appeared in court to testify or present supporting documentation despite requests from the defence.
A verdict is due on November 19.
- Tags: Cambodia, Candlelight Party
