Phnom Penh: In a significant crackdown on social unrest, Cambodian authorities arrested Hor Run Eng on September 8, 2024, shortly after a public message on Facebook from Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate. Her arrest was executed under an arrest warrant issued by Judge Yi Sok Vouch of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, relating to charges of “inciting serious social unrest” during July 2024, as defined by Articles 494 and 495 of the Cambodian Penal Code.
The arrest warrant specified that the detention of Hor Run Eng, was necessary to ensure her presence before an investigating judge and to facilitate a thorough investigation into the alleged offenses.
Following the arrest, Samdech Techo Hun Sen took to social media to convey a firm message: “No exceptions are made for such people. Freedom of expression is respected, but slander is not tolerated.” He underscored that while Cambodian living abroad may enjoy certain liberties, those within the country are not exempt from legal consequences in the face of criminal activities. He admonished that anyone, including civil society and international representatives advocating for human rights, should consider the facts before making accusations against the Cambodian government.
On the same day, in response to provocative comments made on his official Facebook page regarding freedom of expression, Hun Sen emphasized the need for responsible discourse. He expressed concern over historical grievances that have led to the loss of territory and warned against individuals who incite disorder. “Today, your daughter or sister has been raped by the foreigners, or if Vietnam is already under control? Enough,” he stated, addressing accusations of dictatorship leveled against his administration.
He reiterated his call for proper legal procedures to be followed, stating that the expression of views should not cross the line into acts that threaten national security. In light of Hor Run Eng’s arrest, Hun Sen reinforced his administration’s stance on taking a hard line against anyone who attempts to destabilize the country, urging constructive dialogue rather than accusations of intolerance or human rights violations.
Hor Run Eng, who was born on May 28, 1971, hails from Prek Doeum Chan village in the Kampong Cham Province, where she was born to parents Hou Phan and Song Sok.
