The Appeal Court has again denied bail to imprisoned Sam Rainsy Party Senator Hong Sok Hour, ruling the lawmaker poses a security and flight risk, according to the defendant’s lawyer.
The decision yesterday came as a spokesman for the ruling Cambodian People’s Party confirmed Interior Minister Sar Kheng had agreed to meet opposition leader Sam Rainsy next week, although it was unclear whether Sok Hour’s case and the imprisonment of another 14 opposition activists would be discussed.
According to Sam Sokong, Appeal Court judge Khun Leang sad Sok Hour would be kept behind bars because of concerns he would reoffend and cause ‘‘social disorder’’ if released.
Sokong said his client – who has already had one bail application denied – had offered to pledge money as insurance we wouldn’t flee.
Sokong said he would file an appeal at the Supreme Court next week.
Meanwhile, CPP spokesman Sok Bysan yesterday confirmed Sar Kheng would meet Rainsy next week, but said the pair would discuss amendments to commune election laws and not the opposition prisoners.
Sok Hour was detained on August 15, despite his senatorial immunity, after calls for his arrest by Prime Minister Hun Sen over a Facebook post showing a ‘‘fake’’ border treaty between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Sok Hour is facing three charges relating to forgery and incitement.
