STATEMENT: New Summons for Chan Soveth; ADHOC Reiterates that He Has Done Nothing Wrong
Phnom Penh, 11 December 2012 — The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) expresses its deepest concerns over the new summons issued by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on 30 November 2012. Mr. Chan Soveth, one of ADHOC’s most senior investigators, is summonsed to appear before Investigating Judge Chhe Virak on 24 December at 2:30pm. He is accused of “providing assistance to the perpetrator” of a crime, an offense punishable by one to three years in prison pursuant to article 544 of the Cambodian Criminal Code.
This is the second time in four months that Chan Soveth has been summonsed by the court. Before more details on the specific information Judge Chhe Virak is looking for are disclosed, ADHOC would like to stress that it has always conducted its activities in accordance with the law. One of the most respected human rights workers in Cambodia, Soveth has always carried out his work in a manner consistent with Cambodian law—investigating human rights violations, organizing trainings and providing legal assistance to individuals and communities affected by land conflicts.
ADHOC calls on Embassies, development partners, civil society organizations and the media to gather in front of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on 24 December 2012 at 2:30pm, in support of Soveth and human rights work in Cambodia.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Thun Saray, President, 016 440 044
Mr. Ny Chakrya, Head of Human Rights Program: 011 274 959
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