The Supreme Court on Wednesday delayed a defamation hearing of opposition lawmaker Mu Sochua, who was found guilty by a lower court of defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The court said it had postponed the hearing after Mu Sochua sent a letter saying she was traveling in the US. Hun Sen’s lawyer said the decision was acceptable if the letter was accepted by the court.
Phnom Penh Municipal Court fined Mu Sochua $3,975 in August 2009, the result of a countersuit Hun Sen brought against Mu Sochua’s own charges he had defamed her in public speeches.
The Appeals Court upheld the decision in October 2009.
Mu Sochua, a former minister of women’s affairs, is an outspoken member of the Sam Rainsy Party who has also testified in US Congress on the ruling party’s threats, via the courts, to opposition members and journalists.