Beehive Owner Ill in Prison, Wife Says
Mam Sonando is awaiting trial for allegedly leading a secessionist movement, a charge he denies.
PHNOM PENH - Jailed radio operator Mam Sonando is falling ill due to smoke pollution and dirty bedding, his wife said Monday. It has become difficult for him to speak, Din Phanara, who has made several visits since his detention, said. He has frequent fevers and coughs from the smoke inside Prey Sar prison, she said. He has received some medical treatment while in jail, she said. “He can breath right now because there’s no smoke in the room,” she said. Mam Sonando, the owner of Beehive Radio, which carries Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, Radio France International and other programming, is awaiting trial for allegedly leading a secessionist movement, a charge he denies. Members of his Association of Democrats gathered in front of the Royal Palace Wednesday, calling for his release. Members have prayed and put their thumbprints to a petition they hope will push for his release, sahd Hourn Phanary, deputy secretary-general of the Association of Democrats. “The four charges against him are not clear,” she said. Mam Sonando has been charged with leading acts against public officials, inciting rioting, inciting people to illegally arms themselves and to act against the authorities. He has been in detention since July 14, when he was arrested in his Phnom Penh home.