Accused spy given reprieve
PHNOM PENH: The trial of Australian filmmaker and accused spy James Ricketson has been postponed in a Cambodian court after a bench of three judges granted him more time to prepare his defence.
Ricketson has told the Phnom Penh court he was told he would be charged with espionage only last week and he has not been served with a formal indictment.
‘‘I have not been provided with a summons to appear in court,’’ he told Judge Seng Leang yesterday.
‘‘I have no understanding of the statement of facts that is being used to indict me.
‘‘I only have a onepage document from the prosecutor in which he recommends that I be indicted under Article 446. The document provides no evidence that I am guilty of any crime at all.’’
Ricketson has denied charges of espionage.
Prosecutors recently finished a yearlong investigation, combing for evidence that might support charges of espionage tied to the nowdissolved opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP).
The CNRP has been banned by the courts from contesting national elections on July 29 after Prime Minister Hun Sen claimed its leaders were fomenting a colour revolution.
The court was expected to begin formal hearings on espionage charges yesterday.
Ricketson’s lawyer was not present, citing pressing business elsewhere.
Ricketson (69) asked the court for a onemonth delay.
Judge Seng Leang agreed with Ricketson’s submission, saying a fresh date would be set and the defence would be informed.
Ricketson’s case has been marked by repeated delays over bail hearings and investigations by prosecutors, with recent appearances restricted to question andanswers over about 15,000 emails that were stored on his computer.
In early May he was transferred from a cramped cell to a prison infirmary.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has written a letter to the Cambodian government on Ricketson’s behalf. — AAP