Kem Sokha says his jail term inspires him to further demand for freedom, democracy

 

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- Kem Sokha, vice president of Cambodia National Rescue Party, on Saturday recalled his time as a prisoner eight years ago, saying that his imprisonment really inspired him to take part in political activities to demand for freedom and democracy. 

On December 31, 2005, Kem Sokha, then president of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR), was arrested by authorities on charges of criminal defamation against government. He was later released after being jailed for 17 days. 

On Saturday, he posted photos of him being greeted by a crowd after being released from Prey Sar prison on January 17, 2006 with message reading "I was detained for 17 days and 18 nights, but I do not panic and get shocked. Instead, I become more courageous 17 times to demand for freedom and democracy in Cambodia."

"I do not want to take revenge on those who arrested me," he posted. 

In contrast, "I transfer my pain into an interest for democracy, freedom and nation."