A show trial of justice in Cambodia

Australian filmmaker James Ricketson's conviction and jailing on bogus espionage charges is as shameful to Canberra as it is to Phnom Penh.

Many of those who know Australian filmmaker James Ricketson, this writer included, have varying opinions of the man.

Some say he’s a nice old guy trying to help poor Cambodians; others say he’s a dedicated and talented documentary film maker; and quite a few others see him as an out and out pest. However, they all agree on one thing: Ricketson is not a government spy.

But that’s how Cambodia’s politicized courts see him. On August 30, a judge sentenced Ricketson to six years in jail on charges of espionage that deemed the rambling 69-year-old Australian a modern day sort of James Bond – minus the suit, hair and good looks. It ruled he worked for a foreign power to undermine the government and cause chaos in the country.

Read the full story: http://www.atimes.com/article/a-show-trial-of-justice-in-cambodia/

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