Defence video a no-show for Lany
THE trial of opposition Senator Thak Lany concluded yesterday with her defence failing to produce a video it had said would disprove allegations she publicly accused Prime Minister Hun Sen of involvement in the murder of political analyst Kem Ley.
Lany faces defamation and incitement charges over the alleged comments, featured in a video clip of the Sam Rainsy Party senator addressing supporters in Ratanakkiri province in the wake of Ley’s shooting at a Phnom Penh petrol station on July 10, which many believe was a political assassination.
The senator, whose whereabouts remain unknown, initially claimed her comments were taken out of context, while her lawyer, Sam Sokong, on the first day of the trial last week, vowed to produce another video of the remarks that would prove his client’s innocence.
But during yesterday’s hour-long hearing, the video failed to materialise, with lawyers instead arguing over the source of the video relied upon by the prosecution, whether Lany’s comments were made in a public or private forum, and the impact of the remarks.
Ky Tech, lawyer for the premier, argued Lany’s speech, made under a CNRP supporter’s house, was a public forum – as participation was not restricted and the senator was aided by a microphone – while also characteri s i ng her remarks a s defamatory and dangerous.
“The public was getting angry over the killing of Kem CONTINUED
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