Activists skip court over Ley stupa funds

Late political analyst Kem Ley's stupa under construction in Takeo province in August.

Independent media observer Pa Nguon Teang and migrant rights advocate Moeun Tola both missed scheduled hearings at the Phnom Penh court yesterday, and have requested the court delay their appearances.

Nguon Teang, Tola and activist monk But Buntenh were all accused by Cambodian Youth Party President Pich Sros of misappropriating funds for murdered analyst Kem Ley’s funeral stupa.

Sros, who did not sit on Ley’s funeral committee, filed his lawsuit after he was criticised for a Kem Ley fundraiser in which he took in only $750 after spending $2,300 on food, transport and “support”.

Cambodian Youth Party President Pich Sros outside the Phnom Penh Muncipal Court, where he filed complaints against three activists for allegedly embezzling funds raised for slain political commentator Kem Ley’s stupa. Photo supplied

He has maintained the failure of his fundraiser was accidental, but has not presented any evidence for wrongdoing on the part of the three accused. Sros has recently been accused of being a ruling party plant after filing a request to the Ministry of Interior to dissolve the opposition CNRP.

Sam Chamroeun, lawyer for Nguon Teang, who is currently abroad, requested a delay this morning. Tola said he had already requested a delay on Friday. Buntenh is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, but has said he will not attend.

Contact author: Niem Chheng

MOST VIEWED

Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia
A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication
Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills
A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,
Honda shutters Siem Reap football club
Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said
Hun Sen warns of regional tensions
ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not
PM declares ASEAN Para Games open
The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans
Waterway job still pending for Kampot tourism port’s opening
The search is still on for a contractor to expand and deepen the Kampot International Tourism Port’s waterway and deliver additional enhancements allowing safe access for larger vessels, nearly a year after the main construction work on the 4.25ha site was completed on June 30, 2022.