The Cambodia government on Sept. 18 responded to comments recently made by US government officials, describing as “politically-motivated allegation” their remarks on Cambodia’s recent arrest and incarceration of human rights, environmental and youth group members.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Koung said that the Cambodian government had viewed with deep regrets the US officials’ assessment, which was, he said, “inaccurate and did not take into account the factual and legal aspects of the issue at hand.
“Cambodia cherishes the freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly as guaranteed under the Constitution,” Koung said in the statement. “The exercise of such rights and freedom shall be in accordance with the law. Freedom of expression does not equate to freedom to spread indiscriminate hatred, racism and violence.”
