Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Man briefly detained in Poipet for Facebook post involving LDP head Khem Veasna

Man briefly detained in Poipet for Facebook post involving LDP head Khem Veasna

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Chhea Dina, known as “Dany Kon Khmer,” was arrested by Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police on Monday in relation to a defamation case brought by League for Democracy Party leader Khem Veasna. Facebook

Man briefly detained in Poipet for Facebook post involving LDP head Khem Veasna

Banteay Meanchey provincial police on Monday briefly detained a man for questioning in relation to a defamation case filed against him by League for Democracy Party leader Khem Veasna for allegedly “twisting” the words of the controversial politician.

Sit Los, deputy police chief in Banteay Meanchey province, said that Chhea Dina, known online as “Dany Kon Khmer”, was escorted by police from a villager’s home in Poipet for questioning about the complaint, which was filed last July.

At the time, LDP Secretary-General Chen Thon told The Post the complaint involved Dina, and social media users Sran Sok Rom, better known as “Aja Thom”, and Khum Sokharoth, as well as Stung Khiev Radio Station Director Pat Monny. The complaint alleged defamation, public insult and incitement to discriminate.

Veasna claimed that the trio had mischaracterised his support for a controversial 2005 supplemental border treaty to accuse him of supporting the cession of Phu Quoc island to Vietnam. The firebrand LDP leader is an outspoken critic of Cambodia’s neighbour to the east.

Dina couldn’t be reached for comment on Tuesday, however in a Facebook post he rebutted local media reports that he had been detained for criticising Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“There was a complaint by a representative of Khem Veasna saying the guy made a live video inciting to discriminate and defame [him],” Los, the police chief, said.

“We called him to clarify but he fled . . . A few days later, he returned and our police went to invite him [for questioning], but he ran to hide in his brother’s house. His brother tried to hide him saying he was not there.”

Dina then allegedly escaped through the roof and ran to hide at another villager’s house, where police were able to detain him, Los said.

Following the questioning, police instructed Dina’s brother to educate him about defaming others.

Los said police will send a report to the court soon for further procedures.

LDP’s Thon said none of the other accused had been arrested, and that the party was waiting to see how the case develops.

According to Chheuy Bunthoeun, a representative of Veasna, one of the accused, Sok Rom, had appeared at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for questioning after the complaint was filed.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Famed US collector family return artefacts to Cambodia

    In the latest repatriation of ancient artefacts from the US, a total of 33 pieces of Khmer cultural heritage will soon return home, according to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. In a September 12 press statement, it said the US Attorney’s Office for the

  • Tina rebuffs ‘false claims’ over falling paddy price

    Agriculture minister Dith Tina has shed light on the trade of paddy rice in Battambang – Cambodia’s leading rice-producing province – in a bid to curb what he dubs a “social media fact distortion campaign” to destabilise the market. While acknowledging that the prices of paddy

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • Kampot curfew imposed to curb ‘gang’ violence

    Kampot provincial police have announced measures to contain a recent spike in antisocial behaviour by “unruly’ youth. Officials say the province has been plagued by recent violence among so-called “gang members”, who often fight with weapons such as knives and machetes. Several social observers have

  • PM outlines plans to discuss trade, policy during US visit

    Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to meet with senior US officials and business leaders during his upcoming visit to the US for the UN General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled for September 20. While addressing nearly 20,000 workers in Kampong Speu province, Manet said he aims to affirm