Deum Ampil website-owner and TV personality Soy Sopheap has filed a criminal complaint against Nokorwat newspaper general director Touch Kongkea, accusing him of defamation, perjury and threatening violence.

Soy Sopheap’s lawyer, Kouy Thunna, said the complaint was filed with Phnom Penh Municipal Court last week.

“My client has also asked for US$100,000 compensation from Touch Kongkea,” Kouy Thunna said.

Touch Kongkea is now appealing Phnom Penh Municipal Court’s acquittal of Soy Sopheap on allegations of defamation and breach of privacy after no tangible proof was produced.

Soy Sopheap said that he decided to file the criminal lawsuit against Touch Kongkea to defend his honour.

“Actually, I had no intention to sue Touch Kongkea in court, but I decided to do it because he has continued to defame my honour and sue me to the court of appeal,” he said.

Touch Kongkea and his defence lawyer, Chan Vicheth, could not be reached for comment.