U.S. criticizes Thailand for deporting activist

WASHINGTON - The U.S. is criticizing its ally Thailand for repatriating a Cambodian labour activist wanted for throwing a shoe at a billboard depicting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The activist, Sam Sokha, was arrested after she was returned to Cambodia on Thursday.

Police said she was to serve a two-year prison sentence after being convicted in absentia on Jan. 25 on charges of insulting a public official and “incitement to discriminate.” A 13-second video clip that circulated last April showed Sam Sokha throwing shoes at images of Hun Sen and a party colleague.