Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 25 – Ministry of Justice Spokesperson Kim Santepheap, on Thursday, made a statement in response to a joint statement of the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA) demanding prosecutors to present evidence and drop the charges against two journalists of The Cambodia Daily.

Kim Santepheap said that demanding the prosecutor to present evidence or the court to drop the charges is an attempt to interfere in Cambodia’s court, which is an independent institution of Cambodia.

Justice Spokesperson also asked CamboJA to inform the public which country or district that prosecutor has to present the evidence before proceeding with the case.

He questioned whether CamboJA has complied with the requirements of Cambodian law to operate their institution, and who financially sponsors CamboJA.

On 25 February 2021, three journalist organizations, including Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA), Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM), and Overseas Press Club of Cambodia (OPCC) called on the court to expedite the case of former reporters of The Cambodia Daily Aun Pheap and Zsombor Peter. They call on prosecutors to present any evidence that would prove the journalists’ alleged guilt of the crime of “incitement to commit a felony”, or otherwise drop the appeal to continue the case.
=FRESH NEWS