Radio station boss Mam Sonando, who also serves as president of the Association of Democrats, implicated in a so-called secessionist plot in Kratie province, was scheduled to return to Phnom Penh last night after months abroad, family members and association officials said.

“[He] is very courageous, and dared to face the law if he had committed anything wrong,” said Sonando’s wife, Dinn Phanara, adding that the government had expressed no intention of arresting Sonando.

“He was not involved with [accused secessionist ringleader] Bun Ratha’s group.”

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan confirmed there were no plans in the works for Sonando’s arrest.

Association Vice President Chea Bamrong reiterated yesterday that his group had nothing to do with the alleged establishment of an autonomous zone in Kratie’s Pro Ma village.

Bun Chhorn, father and accused accomplice of Bun Ratha, who had previously promised to appear at a press conference, could not be reached.

To contact the reporter on this story: Buth Reaksmey Kongkea at [email protected]