UNCOVERING OF CAMBODIAN GOVERNMENT MISCONDUCT
BHB filed an ex parte petition, on behalf exiled Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy, to obtain discovery in aid of a foreign proceeding under U.S. federal law. Mr. Rainsy had been prosecuted for defamation in absentia for stating that Cambodia’s dictator had assassinated journalist and human rights leader, Kem Lay, at a Chevron-owned gas station in Phnom Penh. After nine-plus months of litigation and refusal by Chevron, critical evidence was produced, including video, showing the state’s likely involvement in the assassination and coverup.
“I feel these are times when the 1st Amendment, the freedom of the press and the freedom to dissent — to speak your mind — are more important internationally, and I think law firms should be standing up for that.”
In re Ex Parte Application of Sam Rainsy and Filing Victims Before the ICC, No. 4:16-mc-80258 (N.D. Cal.)
Important Documents:
Media Coverage: LA Times, New York Times, and BBC News.