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

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the

  • EU’s Sokha resolution ‘a sovereign rights breach’

    The National Assembly (NA) said the European Parliament (EP) did not respect the Kingdom’s independence and sovereignty when it passed a resolution strongly critical of the recent conviction and sentencing of former opposition leader Kem Sokha for “treason”. On March 16, the EP issued a