Former Cambodia Journalists Chhin and Sothearin
Photo: RFA

Statement of RFA President on Former Cambodia Journalists’ Appeal

2020-01-27

WASHINGTON – The appeal by former Radio Free Asia (RFA) journalists Yeang Sothearin and Uon Chhin to drop the reinvestigation into espionage charges laid against them was rejected by Cambodia’s Appeals Court today. The two were arrested after RFA was forced to close its Phnom Penh bureau in the fall of 2017. RFA President Bay Fang made the following statement:

“Today’s decision is a disappointment. The legal limbo that Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin have endured for more than two years still drags on, as does the threat of long prison terms. Cambodian authorities should heed what the international community is telling them: This legal process is deeply unfair and undermines the principles of free expression and respect for a free press that are enshrined in Cambodia’s constitution. The case against Chhin and Sothearin should be dismissed.”