Phnom Penh: Editor of Khmer Conscience News and his son were shot dead by unknown murderers while they were traveling from Olympic stadium to their home at 7:00PM on July 11, 2008 in Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh.
Mr. Khim Sambou, 47, an editor of Khmer Conscience News known as pro-opposition party newspaper was shot dead by murderers in place and his son, Khat Sorin Pheata, the 2nd year student of Management University was shot and then died at hospital, Mr. Khim Lorong, a real brother of victim said, added that “ I saw my brother die, but I don’t know it is because of animosity or what it is”. But he has never had conflict with anyone at all. He appealed to the government for arresting murderers and bringing them to court.

Mr. Dam Seth, a publisher of Khmer Conscience News asserted that “this is a political animosity because previously, the victims, both father and son, have never had dispute with anybody. Anyway, murderers didn’t take with them the belongings of victims. Mr. Dam Seth added that the last article the victim wrote, was titled “ Preah Vihea temple made Thai foreign Minister step down from his office and the Royal Government of Cambodia took Preah Vihea temple as a treadler for election campaign. After the government released him from Prey Sar prison, Mr. Dam Seth was very afraid to travel outside for fear of his own security. Killing a journalist was an act of depression and deprivation of freedom of expression of journalists, especially, those belong to Khmer Conscience News, said Mr. Dam Seth.

According to the police’s records, police found 5 k-59 fired bullets and according to witnesses’ answers there, 2 murderers used a black Viva motor bike as a transport means to fire the victims, 7 Makara police inspector Mr. Yim Sy said, adding that until July 12, 2008, police haven’t yet identified murderers, but they were trying to search for the murderers. This slaying couldn’t be identified as anything yet because this case has been under investigation of competent authorities, police inspector stressed.
Information Miniser and government spokesman Mr. Khieu Kanharith said at Say Dangkum pagoda funeral that until July 12, 2008, he hadn’t yet received any information about the murderers. However, the murderers must be arrested because this is the period of time when quietness is needed. But now, a small handful of persons seized the time to cause such social insecurity that affected an upcoming national election environment. Mr. Khieu Kanharith added that the Ministry of Information and government would issue a condemnation statement in order to hunt for murderers for legal trial.

Technical supervisor of LICADHO Mr. Am Sam Ath said that during the national election campaign, media are playing an important role in order for people to express their ideas and opinions freely. Such journalist’ slaying isn’t a good sign that is a factor indicating suppressing, intimidating and frightening the journalists as well as the people so that they can’t express their ideas and opinions freely. He added this killing is not the first time. It has happened in every election campaign since 1993. On behalf of civil society organization would like to appeal to the government to take actions to arrest the criminals for trial and to ensure the press freedom as well as freedom of expression of people that would promote Cambodia toward real democracy.

Such murdering is a threat to freedom and depression of all journalists, the head of Independent Journalist Association Mr. Aom Vuthy said, adding that if such slaying always happens, how does Cambodia have democracy? In this case, he appealed to the royal government of Cambodia for arresting the murders for trial, otherwise, journalists will do something to seek justice for the victims and bring about real freedom of expression.