Opposition Senator Thak Lany, accused of slander by Prime Minister Hun Sen, yesterday ignored a second summons to answer questions at Phnom Penh Municipal Court, though authorities were tight-lipped on whether they would seek her arrest.
Lany was yesterday due to be examined by a prosecutor following a complaint by the premier that accuses the politician of “slander” and “incitement” for linking him to the murder of prominent political analyst Kem Ley.
Reached yesterday, her lawyer, Sam Sokong, who applied for a postponement, said that Lany would not attend court because she enjoys senatorial immunity, which has not been removed.
“We want to see the proper procedure enforced first before the court starts an investigation or summonses a senator with immunity for questioning,” said Sokhong, who also noted his client had yet to be charged with a crime.
Ley was gunned down at a Phnom Penh gas station on July 10. Many believe the killing was politically motivated.
Lany denies suggesting Hun Sen was behind the hit and says footage of her purported remarks was edited. Cambodia National Rescue Party president Sam Rainsy, however, has accused the state of involvement and faces a separate complaint from the premier.
Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesman Ly Sophana, who is also the deputy prosecutor on the case, yesterday would only say that authorities will continue their investigation before taking action.
