PHNOM PENH: The Spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, Chad Roedemeier, has told EAC News that there is currently a U.S. law enforcement investigation into the 11 May incident wherein a 75-year-old Cambodian-American man, Ouk Touch, threw his shoe at Prime Minister Hun Sen while the Cambodian leader was in Washington, D.C. for the ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit.

In an email response sent to EAC News on Thursday, 19 May, Spokesperson Chad Roedemeier wrote, "The United States takes the safety and security of all diplomats and visiting dignitaries very seriously.” He further added, “Regarding the specific incident on May 11, there is a U.S. law enforcement investigation into the matter. It will be thorough and in full accordance with U.S. law.”

The confirmation from the U.S. Embassy comes just days after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen asked the United States to comment on whether the shoe-throwing incident in Washington, D.C. could be considered an act of freedom of expression or violence.

Addressing a meeting with the Samdech Techo Voluntary Youth Association at the OCIC Center in Phnom Penh, on Tuesday, 17 May 2022, Prime Minister Hun Sen said, “In all countries, including Cambodia, all opposition groups will be hit in the head with shoes. There are no more rules in the world”.

According to Title 18, Section 112 of the U.S. Code, special protection is offered to “foreign officials, official guests, and internationally protected persons.” Whoever “assaults, strikes, wounds, imprisons, or offers violence” against one of these people can be fined, face imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

“Assault” under common law covers not only the attempt to inflict harm, but also placing someone under reasonable apprehension of harm, which may count shoe-throwing. If a jury decides that throwing a shoe and missing does not quite rise to the level of assault, they might find the perpetrator guilty of coercing or harassing a foreign official, or obstructing the official in the performance of his duties. These lesser offenses carry a sentence of not more than six months in prison or a fine.