Kandal (FN), Dec. 26 - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his regret that exiled former opposition leader Sam Rainsy took political career of his partner Kem Sokha as a bet, speaking to 15,000 workers in Kompong Speu and Kandal provinces.

Prime Minister Hun Sen underlined that it is unethical to bet on other people’s freedom, but he had no choices.

Sam Rainsy betted with Prime Minister Hun Sen that Kem Sokha will be released in between 29 December 2018 - 3 March 2018, as he believed that Sokha’s pre-trail detention will end no later than 3 March 2019.

Rainsy dared the premier to resign if Sokha released; if not, Rainsy himself shall return home and be arrested.

Prime Minister confirmed shorty in an exclusive interview with Fresh News CEO Lim Chea Vutha that: “I bet with Sam Rainsy.”

Kem Sokha was temporarily detained on 5 September 2017. He was released on bail and put under judicial control on 9 September 2018. According to the criminal procedure of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the detention ordered by investigating judge on criminal offense can last up to six months and can be extended to another six months twice.

The fact that Sam Rainsy stated the pre-trail detention will end no later than 3 March 2019 is a claim lacks of legal understanding and court procedures, Ministry of Justice wrote in the statement. Sam Rainsy should know that Kem Sokha was put under judicial control and that it is not under the framework of pre-trial detention.
=FRESH NEWS