CPP spokesman Sok Eysan, who filed a defamation lawsuit against political analyst Ou Virak last week over critical comments made in a radio interview, said on Sunday that the Phnom Penh Municipal Court had summoned him for questioning over the complaint.
Mr. Eysan said he planned to appear at the court on Tuesday to discuss the lawsuit, which was filed on behalf of the ruling party. “It is normal.
Whenever we file a complaint, before taking action, the court needs to call the plaintiff to give more testimony,” the spokesman said. “We plan to file complaints whenever they make more improper comments affecting the honor of our party.”
Mr. Virak was sued over comments he made during an interview with Radio Free Asia, in which he claimed the government was using a sex scandal involving deputy opposition leader Kem Sokha to damage the opposition CNRP, and that the tactic was likely to backfire.
Mr. Virak said on Sunday that he had not received a summons over the suit but had heard through the media that he would be called to court on May 12.
“It is just a message threatening others,” he said of the lawsuit. “I criticize the incorrect activity of the government and of other parties. I always criticize.”
