B Meanchey man held for ‘twisting’ pol’s words

BANTEAY Meanchey provincial police on Monday briefly detained a man for questioning in relation to a defamation case filed against him by League for Democracy Party leader Khem Veasna for allegedly “twisting” the words of the controversial politician.

Sit Los, deputy police chief in Banteay Meanchey province, said that Chhea Dina, known online as “Dany Kon Khmer”, was escorted by police from a villager’s home in Poipet for questioning about the complaint, which was filed last July.

At the time, LDP SecretaryGeneral Chen Thon told The Post the complaint involved Dina, and social media users Sran Sok Rom, better known as “Aja Thom”, and Khum Sokharoth, as well as Stung Khiev Radio Station Director Pat Monny. The complaint alleged defamation, public insult and incitement to discriminate.

Veasna claimed that the trio had mischaracterised his support for a controversial 2005 supplemental border treaty to accuse him of supporting the cession of Phu Quoc island to Vietnam. The firebrand LDP leader is an outspoken critic of Cambodia’s neighbour to the east.

Dina couldn’t be reached for comment on Tuesday, however in a Facebook post he rebutted local media reports that he had been detained for criticising Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“There was a complaint by a representative of Khem Veasna saying the guy made a live video inciting to discriminate and defame [him],” Los, the police chief, said.

“We called him to clarify but he fled . . . A few days later, he returned and our police went to invite him [for questioning], but he ran to hide in his brother’s house. His brother tried to hide him saying he was not there.”

Dina then allegedly escaped through the roof and ran to hide at another villager’s house, where police were able to detain him, Los said.

Following the questioning, police instructed Dina’s brother to educate him about defaming others.

Los said police will send a report to the court soon for further procedures.

LDP’s Thon said none of the other accused had been arrested, and that the party was waiting to see how the case develops.

According to Chheuy Bunthoeun, a representative of Veasna, one of the accused, Sok Rom, had appeared at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for questioning after the complaint was filed.