20 and 30 Years!
Some 300 supporters of Mam Sonando, the 70 year old Beehive Radio owner and Journalist, demonstrated in front of road blocks set up at the roads leading to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court while waiting for the verdict in a trial about a so-called ‘secessionist’ movement. Mam Sonando was sentenced by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to 20 years of prison and a fine of 10 million Riel (2500$US).
Mam Sonando was arrested on July 15th and accused of instigating a ‘secessionist’ movement after having met with people from a Kratie protest back in May from this year, when a 14-year old girl was fatally shot by the police about a land issue. On June 25th Beehive Radio had broadcast a report about a complaint brought to the International Criminal Court accusing the Cambodian Government of crimes against humanity. The next day Prime Minister Hun Sen said Mam Sonando should be arrested…
Bun Ratha, the supposed mastermind of the secessionist plot was sentenced to 30 years and 10 million Riel. 3 other defendants were sentenced to prison sentences ranging from 5 years to 10 months and 5 years suspended for 5 representatives from Kratie who ‘confessed’ their crime.
CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 1/10/2012: Supporters of Mam Sonando, Journalist and Director of the independent Beehive Radio, demonstrating near the Municipal Court where the verdict in the trial against a so-called secessionist movement is being read.
CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 1/10/2012: Distribution of lotus flowers to supporters of Mam Sonando, Journalist and Director of the independent Beehive Radio, demonstrating near the Municipal Court where the verdict in the trial against a so-called secessionist movement is being read.
CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 1/10/2012: Supporters of Mam Sonando, Journalist and Director of the independent Beehive Radio, demonstrating near the Municipal Court where the verdict in the trial against a so-called secessionist movement is being read.
CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 1/10/2012: Reactions of distress and disillusionment of supporters of Mam Sonando, Journalist and Director of the independent Beehive Radio, near the Municipal Court upon hearing the verdict in a so-called secessionist movement condemning the accused with heavy penalties. Mam Sonando is sentenced to 20 years and a fine of 10 million Riel. Bun Ratha, the supposed mastermind, is sentenced to 30 years and 10 million riel.
CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 1/10/2012: Reactions of distress and disillusionment of supporters of Mam Sonando, Journalist and Director of the independent Beehive Radio, near the Municipal Court upon hearing the verdict in a so-called secessionist movement condemning the accused with heavy penalties. Mam Sonando is sentenced to 20 years and a fine of 10 million Riel. Bun Ratha, the supposed mastermind, is sentenced to 30 years and 10 million riel.
CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 1/10/2012: Reactions of distress and disillusionment of supporters of Mam Sonando, Journalist and Director of the independent Beehive Radio, near the Municipal Court upon hearing the verdict in a so-called secessionist movement condemning the accused with heavy penalties. Mam Sonando is sentenced to 20 years and a fine of 10 million Riel. Bun Ratha, the supposed mastermind, is sentenced to 30 years and 10 million riel.
CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 1/10/2012: Reactions of distress and disillusionment of supporters of Mam Sonando, Journalist and Director of the independent Beehive Radio, near the Municipal Court upon hearing the verdict in a so-called secessionist movement condemning the accused with heavy penalties. Mam Sonando is sentenced to 20 years and a fine of 10 million Riel. Bun Ratha, the supposed mastermind, is sentenced to 30 years and 10 million riel.
CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 1/10/2012: Supporters of Mam Sonando, Journalist and Radio Beehive owner who was sentenced to 20 years of prison for supposedly having masterminded a so-called secessionist movement, demonstrate in front of the Royal Palace, asking for justice.