The Appeal Court on Monday held a closed-door hearing to consider a challenge by two former Radio Free Asia reporters against a Phnom Penh court decision to delay a verdict in the trial linked to pornography charges.
The former reporters – Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin – were charged in 2017 for alleged espionage and later additionally charged with a pornography charge. This is linked to alleged lewd images involving one of the two accused, with rights groups calling the charge frivolous and an attempt to pressure the duo.
The Appeal Court will decide on the Phnom Penh court’s September decision to send their case for additional investigation, despite concluding the trial hearing this August. A decision is expected on December 30, with a similar Appeal Court hearing on the espionage charges to be held on January 20, 2020.
