A radio broadcaster and outspoken critic of the government says a death-threat
letter will not deter him from his pursuit of better human rights, less
corruption and reforms to the legal and judicial system.
Heang Rithy,
president of the Committee for Strict Law Enforcement of Human Rights in
Cambodia, and the Cambodian National Research Organization, received the
anonymous letter on May 19.
The letter read: "From us to Heang Rithy. We
confirm that you cannot carry around the sky and the earth, please take caution,
do not use big words against the leader. Be careful of dying."
"Don't
show your face and don't comment on radio, careful," said the handwritten letter
in Khmer.
A drawing of a cross and four angry faces accompanied the
letter.
Rithy has sent letters to the Ministry of Interior and Phnom
Penh municipal police notifying them of the threats and asking for protection.
"I think the first time I feel shocked but after that I feel not afraid
because if someone wants to kill me I cannot run away," said Rithy.
On
May 17, 2002 and July 20 last year, Rithy received death threats over the phone,
but the recent threat came after his comments on FM105, FM90 in Phnom Penh and
Battambang's FM90.25 about pre-trial detention, corruption, judicial reforms,
function of judges, the Overseas Vietnamese Association and governance
issues.
Heang Rithy said he will continue to criticize politicians and
judges in his regular radio broadcasts.
"My comments depend on the spirit
of law, international treaties and the Cambodian Constitution. I want to bring
justice for society," Rithy said.
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