Cambodian court denies bail for jailed opposition lawmaker

A Cambodian court on Friday rejected the request for bail of opposition lawmaker Um Sam An, who has been jailed since April 11 for accusing the government of using fake border map.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court's Questioning Judge Top Chhun Heng said in a decision that the lawmaker's continued detention"is to prevent the repeat of crimes, to enable the court to proceed with the case smoothly and to avoid any chaos that could arise from his release."

Um Sam An, lawmaker from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, was arrested on April 11 for posting messages and video clips to his Facebook page, accusing the government of using fake map in negotiations on border issues with Vietnam.

The court has charged the 40-year-old lawmaker with two counts - inciting social chaos and discrimination -which could face up to five years in prison if convicted.

Source: XINHUA