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Verdict Delayed for 2 Cambodia Journalists in Espionage Case

Associated Press

   PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - A verdict has been delayed in the espionage case
   against two Cambodian journalists who worked for the U.S.
   government-funded Radio Free Asia.

   Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin are accused of undermining national
   security by supplying information to a foreign state, an act punishable
   by up to 15 years in prison.

   The two men and others were sitting inside the courtroom awaiting the
   verdict Friday morning when a court officer entered and announced the
   delay. The officer read a statement saying the judge who was set to
   announce the verdict was busy because of a meeting in the justice
   ministry. The officer said the new date for the verdict would be
   announced later.

   Sothearin said he was keen to know the verdict so he could prepare for
   his future.

   "The more postponement of the verdict, the more of my freedom I've
   lost," he told reporters outside court after the delay was announced.

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