Free the Bee… | The Cause of Progress

Posted on September 11, 2012 by john vink

In yet another blow to the freedom of expression in Cambodia, Mam Sonando, 70 years, Journalist and Director of Beehive Radio, a very popular and independent radio station, was in front of his judges today at the Municipal Court of Phnom Penh. He was arrested on July 15th and accused of supporting or instigating a ‘secessionist’ movement after having met with people from the Kratie protest back in May from this year, when a 14-year old girl was fatally shot by the police about a land issue.
Supporters showed up from both the capital and the countryside, braving the pouring rain next to a police barrier sealing off the area.

CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 11/09/2012: Supporters of Mam Sonando, Director of the very popular Beehive Radio, under pouring rain at street sealed off by police near the Municipal Court where he is being tried. He is accused of supporting a ‘secessionist’ movement and risks a 30 year sentence. ©John Vink

CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 11/09/2012: Supporters of Mam Sonando, Director of the very popular Beehive Radio, under pouring rain at street sealed off by police near the Municipal Court where he is being tried. He is accused of supporting a ‘secessionist’ movement and risks a 30 year sentence. ©John Vink

CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 11/09/2012: Supporters of Mam Sonando, Director of the very popular Beehive Radio, under pouring rain at street sealed off by police near the Municipal Court where he is being tried. He is accused of supporting a ‘secessionist’ movement and risks a 30 year sentence. ©John Vink

CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 11/09/2012: Supporters of Mam Sonando, Director of the very popular Beehive Radio, under pouring rain at street sealed off by police near the Municipal Court where he is being tried. He is accused of supporting a ‘secessionist’ movement and risks a 30 year sentence. ©John Vink

CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 11/09/2012: Supporters of Mam Sonando, Director of the very popular Beehive Radio, under pouring rain at street sealed off by police near the Municipal Court where he is being tried. He is accused of supporting a ‘secessionist’ movement and risks a 30 year sentence. ©John Vink

CAMBODIA. Phnom Penh. 11/09/2012: Supporters of Mam Sonando, Director of the very popular Beehive Radio, under pouring rain at street sealed off by police near the Municipal Court where he is being tried. He is accused of supporting a ‘secessionist’ movement and risks a 30 year sentence. ©John Vink