PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - A Cambodian court ordered an opposition lawmaker to pay $4,100 in damages on Tuesday for defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen, provoking fresh concerns the government is using the judiciary to suppress its detractors.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court ruled that Mu Sochua of the Sam Rainsy Party had defamed the long-serving premier when she tried to sue him over comments he made about her conduct during last year's election campaign.
Critics said the ruling reflected Hun Sen's determination to use the courts to muzzle the opposition.
"That was not justice in the courtroom. It was totally political," Sochua told reporters, who were banned from attending the court session.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court ruled that Mu Sochua of the Sam Rainsy Party had defamed the long-serving premier when she tried to sue him over comments he made about her conduct during last year's election campaign.
Critics said the ruling reflected Hun Sen's determination to use the courts to muzzle the opposition.
"That was not justice in the courtroom. It was totally political," Sochua told reporters, who were banned from attending the court session.
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