Phnom Penh (FN), March 22 - According to a Phnom Penh Municipal Court (PPMC) official, Kem Sok, a well-known political activist, is being held in detainment after being questioned by Judge Ros Piseth on Wednesday morning.

Kem Sok was arrested last month under allegations of incitement and public defamation. The arrest was made in response to a lawsuit filed by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The premier is demanding $500,000 from Kem Sok for accusing the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) of murdering Kem Ley, according to the premier’s lawyer Ky Tech.

Kem Sok is also facing a second lawsuit for defaming the government. That lawsuit is seeking an additional $2,500 in damages, according to Ky Tech.

The second lawsuit was filed after a statement Kem Sok made during a live radio station on Feb. 13 in which he said, "This refers to the system … a system under this government to murder people in which the murderer is never to be found including Kem Ley and other activists …".
=FRESH NEWS