Cambodia’s local radio director detained

Cambodian  Radio director Mam Sonando has been jailed by Phnom Penh Municipal Court early this week and waiting for a trial on a series of charges related to sedition.

Mam Sonando,  Beehive radio station owner known as one of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government’s critics, was arrested by police on Sunday morning at his Phnom Penh home and his wife Din Phanara said she had been allowed to see her husband before his hearing.

According to a court official, Sonando has been accused of leading acts against public officials, illegal rioting in interference of authorities as they perform public work, inciting people to illegally arm themselves and acting against authorities.

Interior Ministry spokesman told reporters that Sonando has been leading a secessionist movement and inciting people against the government with his organization named “the Association of Democrats”, Kratie province and he might face up to 14 years in prison if he is found found guilty.

Sonando’s arrest has spared doubts and  questions from local rights groups saying that the arrest would have broad implications for Cambodian media. (Heng Neang/Cambodia News)