Phat Hon, the publisher of the online news outlet KH Plus News, was accused of defaming the reputation of the Kampong Cham Provincial Court. Facebook
The case involving allegations of defamation against Phat Hon, also known as Pou Hon, publisher of the online news outlet KH Plus News, has been resolved.
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Accused of “public defamation, insulting institutions, publishing false information that tarnishes the court’s reputation and criticising judicial decisions related to the dismissal of a protective injunction,” the charges were withdrawn on December 24 following a decision by Suos La, president of the Kampong Cham Provincial Court.
The withdrawal of the complaint was facilitated through mediation between Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra and Minister of Justice Koeut Rith.
“Today, through His Excellency Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, I received a letter from journalist Phat Hon, also known as Pou Hon, who sincerely acknowledged his mistake in reporting and commenting on the news, using inappropriate language, insulting the judiciary and publishing false information,” Rith announced, via social media.
“These actions have seriously damaged the reputation of the Kampong Cham provincial judiciary. In response, Pou Hon has publicly apologised for his mistake,” he added.
Rith explained that after the information minister opened discussions to find a resolution, the president of the provincial court agreed to withdraw his complaint.
“If a court – which exists to provide justice to the people – decides to sue an individual or organisation, it is a difficult decision, made only when there are no better options,” Rith stated.
“The lawsuit's sole purpose is to seek justice and to protect the honour and dignity of the institution,” he continued.
Initially, the Kampong Cham Provincial Court classified the case against Pou Hon as a “criminal” matter, as noted in a December 21 press release.
However, Moeun Chhean Nariddh, a media professor at The University of Cambodia, believed that the misconduct was not severe enough to warrant charges.
The dispute arose from Hon’s November 20 post on the KH Plus News Facebook page regarding a land dispute in Han Chey commune, in Kampong Cham province’s Kampong Siem district.
In the post, he criticised both the judiciary and local authorities. The Kampong Cham Provincial Court later clarified that it had not issued a decision on the case he discussed.
Through mediation led by the two ministers, the dispute was resolved after Pou Hon apologised to Suos La.
Rith reflected on the outcome, saying, “After the rain, the sky is clear. I urge all journalists to adhere to professional codes of ethics, which serve as a legal defence mechanism.”
He also advised journalists to verify information with the spokespersons of prosecution and judicial institutions to avoid spreading false or misleading information.
At the same time, he called on court spokespersons to provide necessary information while respecting the confidentiality of proceedings and individual privacy as mandated by Cambodian law.
On December 24, Tep Asnarith, spokesperson for the information ministry, reiterated the importance of journalists exercising greater care in their work, deepening their understanding of their rights and roles, and ensuring thorough and accurate coverage of sensitive cases.
