Cambodian Women Call for Judicial Reform

July 23, 2010

mu_723 Cambodian women are joining with politician and rights defender Mu Sochua in a fight for judicial reform. Mu Sochua, a sitting member of parliament, has exhausted her appeals against a conviction for defaming the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen.

The case stems from comments made by the Prime Minister about Mu Sochua, which were derogatory to her as a woman. When she announced her intention to sue him for defamation, she herself was convicted of defaming the Prime Minister.

Mu Sochua is the former minister of women’s affairs and an ardent womens’ rights defender. She was initially facing arrest over her refusal to pay the fines levied against her. The Municipal Court has informed her that the National Assembly has been authorised to dock her salary for two months in order to compensate the Prime Minister. She stated, “If my salary is taken without my agreement, it is a violation of my rights.”

Mu Sochua stands to highlight the court’s unjust practices to the national public and international community. Her dedication to judiciary reform has not wavered despite opposition and harassment from the current government. Cambodian women are uniting with Mu Sochua to see a judiciary system with independence, accountability, and equal access for all. She states, “The women’s movement is the engine that will be strengthened to fight for true reforms of the judiciary — I am on board.”