Jailed Australian filmmaker Ricketson camouflaged his crimes: Cambodian prosecutor

Khmer Circle: 

Hanoi must have thousands of spies embedded in every Cambodian institution and walk of life, from those sitting in the government cabinet, on the fishing boats and at the local coffee shops [many of which are Vietnamese-owned] to "advisors" attached to various ministries and, obviously, to the man sitting on top of the CPP regime's pyramid itself. No doubt, the Chinese also have their share of spies and spying over here; the Kingdom of Spies... Alas, none of these people have been caught or prosecuted by the courts for their activities or espionage. 

The behaviour, characteristics and movements of some of these Vietnamese spies are so overt and detectable that locals will even point them out to some of us visiting: 'See that man wearing a white shirt who's just parked his car and now taking a seat for the coffee, well, he's a Vietnamese spy. He's always been extremely attentive and kind to kids, giving them handouts and stuff!'.

We know so many of other Khmer kids abducted off to Vietnam in the fifties and sixties [to acclimatise them to Vietnamese culture and political indoctrination] have since been instrumental in helping to entrench Vietnamese hegemonic control over the country. Many of these spies and ethnic Vietnamese are now chiefs of police, high-ranking interior ministry officials, educators, media reporters and editors, high court judges etc. Through them all, Vietnam's actual and imperceptible presence and influence in the country, in every sphere and locality, from the polity to the economics, is undoubtedly omnipotent and pervasive. 

Did we mention assassins as well?! You may count on it...

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The 69-year-old' was charged with espionage after he was photographed flying a drone above a political rally.

James Ricketson was photographed flying a drone above a political rally organised by the now-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). (Photo: Ouch Sony)

By Ouch Sony

29 Aug 2018 10:27PM (Updated: 31 Aug 2018 03:46PM)

Channel News Asia

PHNOM PENH: Australian James Ricketson's espionage trial came to a close on Wednesday (Aug 29), with Phnom Penh municipal court's deputy prosecutor Seang Sok further questioning the filmmaker over charges of collecting information that could jeopardise Cambodia's national defence.

Ricketson has spent more than a year behind bars after his bail was denied. 

The 69-year-old was arrested on Jun 3, 2017, after he was photographed flying a drone above a political rally organised by the now-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) ahead of a communal election.

He was later charged for espionage, although it is unclear for whom he was allegedly spying. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in jail.

On Wednesday, Sok claimed authorities have found evidence showing he was collecting information for a foreign state.

The accused, Sok said, used his reporting and humanitarian work for underprivileged families to camouflage his crime.

"The accused pretended to be an expatriate reporter, aiming to collect information about the security situation in Cambodia," Sok said, further alleging that Ricketson has produced films to stir discrimination against Cambodia, as well as writing emails targeting its top leaders. 

Sok claimed there is evidence showing Ricketson's ties with CNRP leaders, including former opposition leader Sam Rainsy and current leader Kem Sokha, who was charged with treason for allegedly working with foreign powers to disrupt national security.

"THE TRUTH SHALL SET ME FREE"

Defence lawyer Kong Sam Onn rejected all the claims.

"The charge of collecting information that could jeopardise Cambodia’s national defence under Article 446 of Cambodia's criminal code could result in 10 years in jail. However, I'd like to ask which foreign state Mr Ricketson was spying for," said Onn.

"He came to Cambodia to help the poor. He filmed children at dump sites. Does it jeopardise national defence? It cannot."

On his way back to Prey Sar prison, Ricketson repeatedly maintained his innocence.

"The court case is over and there is still no evidence. I still don't know which country I am spying for," he said. " The truth shall set me free, I hope."

Presiding Judge Seng Leang is set to announce the verdict on Aug 31.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said that the prosecution in this case had suggested that the accused should also be charged with treason. This is incorrect and we apologise for the error.

Source: CNA/aa(hm)