Sam Rainsy files lawsuit against Facebook

Andrew Nachemson | Publication date 09 February 2018 | 14:24 ICT

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Former opposition leader Sam Rainsy gives an interview on French TV5 Monde televison network in France in December. Photo supplied

Former opposition leader Sam Rainsy has filed a lawsuit against Facebook, seeking to force the US-based social media giant to provide information about the account of Prime Minister Hun Sen, whom he accuses of misusing the hugely popular platform.

A press release from Rainsy's legal team claims the information sought in the lawsuit filed Thursday will aid Rainsy’s legal defence in Cambodia, where he has been convicted of defamation for accusing the premier of buying Facebook likes.

“Mr. Sam’s federal Petition seeks information in Facebook’s possession regarding Hun Sen’s misuse of social media to deceive Cambodia’s electorate and to commit human rights abuses,” the release said.

Rainsy fled the country in 2015 amid a slew of politically tinged convictions, many of them for defamation, and his former party was dissolved last year to widespread international outcry.

Government spokesman Phay Siphan said the lawsuit amounted to “harassment” and that Rainsy should no longer be considered a political figure.

“I don’t make any mention of Sam Rainsy,” he said.

Rainsy's lawsuit asks Facebook for information including the amount of “state money” spent to advertise on the platform. “Evidence in Facebook’s possession will help shed light on Hun Sen’s effort to manipulate social media to further suppress public discourse,” it says.

It also accuses Hun Sen of using Facebook to make death threats against Rainsy and others, stating that “these activities violate Facebook’s policies and terms of use.”

“We are counting on Facebook to help shed light on the regime’s manipulation of technology," Rainsy said in the statement. "The Cambodian people and international community deserve the truth.”

“The issues raised in the lawsuit ask fundamental questions about Facebook’s role in the democratic process, including how it will react when being misused by repressive regimes,” said J. Noah Hagey, Rainsy’s attorney.

Representatives from Facebook did not respond to requests for comment.