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.