T HE editor of the Morning News Nguon Nonn granted the Post an exclusive interview on Aug 6 - the day he was released from PJ prison after spending 28 days in detention, the majority of which was in solitary confinement.

What was it like in jail?

"I had enough food, but it did not taste very good. I was fortunate that some of the other prisoners were able to give me some nice tasting food that had been brought to them by their families.

"The cell was quite well lit during the daytime.

"My son was able to visit me three times while I was in jail."

Were you angry at the government sending you to prison?

"I regretted it. The government is keen to use the people to fight in the army in wars, but it appears the government is not keen to let the people be involved in the politics of democracy."

Were you disappointed that Funcinpec MPs did not try harder to secure your release? [Nonn was the former cabinet secretary to Co-Premier Prince Norodom Ranariddh].

"To my knowledge they did try hard to get me released. Prince Ranariddh wrote a letter requesting my release."

Why did you decide that you no longer wanted Charto to defend you in court?

"I noticed that Charto seemed very busy. I am very pleased that Licadho and Adhoc are now defending me."

Do you wish to continue publishing your newspaper?

"Maybe. After this experience in jail I will have to think about my options."

Nonn was also questioned extensively about the articles he wrote in Morning News from July 4-8 naming top CPP officials involved in the failed coup.

"I wish to respect the government decree and not talk about anything to do with the coup. I did have sources for my articles, though some of the comments in them were my own opinions."

Sources close to Nonn said he only wrote the articles about the failed coup after extensive talks with "high-up" people in the interior of the country.