Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong filed a defamation and disinformation suit against SRP leader Sam Rainsy on Tuesday at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for allegations made last week related to the Khmer Rouge, ministry spokesman Sin Bunthoeun said Wednesday.
Hor Namhong has demanded 10 million riel, about $2,500, in compensation, but will drop the charges if Sam Rainsy publicly apologizes, he added.
A Municipal Court official confirmed, on condition of anonymity, that the suit had been filed. Hor Namhong’s lawyer Kar Savuth could not be reached for comment.
SRP Secretary-General Eng Chhay Eang said he was not concerned about the lawsuit.
“We are not afraid of this case, ” he said. “If we talk about the Khmer Rouge, it is for the ECCC to decide,” he added, referring to the Khmer Rouge tribunal.
