Dear Sir,
I
note with interest the editorial statement, headlined
"Negative Journalism", by T Mohan in the current issue of the Cambodia Times.
In my view, the front page article in the same issue, headlined "KR
murderWestern captives, Australia irks govt", is one of the worst examples of
irresponsible and unprofessional journalism I have ever encountered.The
responsibility must be shared equally between the Cambodia Times and its
anonymous, and supposedly official, sources.
What is particularly
distressing to me, as the father of Dominic Chappell, is to learn of the alleged
details of the murder of Dominic and his two companions, Kellie and Tina, from
this newspaper article.
When we, the families of Dominic, Kellie and
Tina, were told of the discovery of certain items which indicated that the three
were probably dead, utmost secrecy was enjoined upon us, at the request of the
Royal Government. This secrecy was intended to avoid compromising the continuing
investigation and to protect the lives of Khmer nationals who were judged to be
at risk of death should details be published. That secrecy now appears to have
been totally and prematurely destroyed by the Cambodia Times and its unamed
sources.
At this time, there is only one established fact in the case,
that Dominic, Kellie, and Tina were abducted on 11 April 1994. Anything else is
speculation, rumor, or unconfirmed circumstantial evidence. The circumstantial
evidence points to the probability of the three being dead, but, until forensic
tests are complete - and this may take several months - it remains
unconfirmed.
The distressing and detailed account of the manner of death
published by the Cambodia Times is, I am assured by responsible and reliable
authorities, a fabrication. Indeed, there is no indisputable evidence of Khmer
Rouge responsibility for the original abduction and probable deaths of Dominic,
Kellie, and Tina. The whole truth may never be known.
In light of this,
and other factual errors in the Cambodia Times article, one can only doubt the
sincerity of Mr Mohan's campaign for responsibility and professionalism in
journalism. One can speculate on the motives of the Cambodia Times and its
anonymous sources in printing this story. However, to give voice to that
speculation would be a disservice to truth and to the memory of Dominic, Kellie,
and Tina. To quote Mr Mohan, one would "thrive on sensationalism and
over-exaggeration".
I have, despite the unhappy events of the last three
and a half months, a deep affection for Cambodia and its people.I wish the Royal
Government every success in its efforts to bring peace and recovery to this
country. That cause has not been helped by Mr Mohan and his anonymous
informants.
- Yours faithfully, David Chappell
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