Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Sovantha ups damage claim against Rainsy

Sovantha ups damage claim against Rainsy

Social media starlet Thy Sovantha, who is currently suing opposition leader Sam Rainsy, speaks to the press outside the Phnom Penh court yesterday.
Social media starlet Thy Sovantha, who is currently suing opposition leader Sam Rainsy, speaks to the press outside the Phnom Penh court yesterday. Hong Menea

Sovantha ups damage claim against Rainsy

Social media personality Thy Sovantha yesterday upped her claim for damages in the defamation suit she’s bringing against Cambodia National Rescue Party president Sam Rainsy.

The former opposition supporter-turned-vocal CNRP critic said she now wants $500,000 from the exiled politician, up from the initial request of $250,000 made on January 14.

Her lawyer, Ly Chantola, said the claim was increased because fallout has continued online from the alleged defamatory remarks, while Rainsy has not backed down.

“We have been monitoring Facebook posts and videos about the words Sam Rainsy said, and it continues,” Chantola said.

The 21-year-old sued Rainsy for alleging she took a $1 million bribe from Prime Minister Hun Sen to attack the opposition.

The premier also filed a defamation action over the comments just a day after Sovantha, requesting $1 million in damages, a judgment he said would force Rainsy to sell CNRP headquarters to fulfil.

Speaking outside the Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday, Sovantha balked at questions about whether someone was directing her actions. “If he did not defame me, I could not file a lawsuit, so we don’t need to create rumours about who is behind my lawsuit,” she said.

Rainsy’s accusation stems from text messages leaked online purporting to show Sovantha corresponding with Hun Sen. Another set of leaked messages suggested the premier’s son Hun Manith, head of military intelligence, also colluded with the social media personality.

Sovantha reiterated her denial that the leaks were genuine. “I’ve already explained that that case is not true,” she said, adding she had requested the Interior Ministry investigate the hacking of her Facebook account, on which the messages appeared.

Rainsy’s lawyer, Sam Sokong, said it was too early to worry about compensation as the investigation was ongoing.

MOST VIEWED

  • Tensions high ahead of historic Kun Khmer match up

    The long-awaited November 5 matchup between Kun Khmer legend Prum Samnang and Myanmar-Canadian boxer Dave Leduc has become the most anticipated fight of the year. The Wurkz Sena Kun Khmer promotion, which will be held at the Town Arena at Chip Mong 271 Megamall, will see six

  • Manet: Cambodia safe for travel

    Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged that Cambodia and China have cooperated to tackle internet scamming, fraud and other cross border crimes, but insisted that the “Kingdom of Wonders” is completely peaceful and safe. He welcomed tourists to come and explore its rich heritage. During a

  • UNESCO formally list Battambang gastronomy

    Battambang, renowned for its cultural heritage, has achieved a significant milestone as the first Cambodian municipality to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The UCCN unites nearly 300 cities prioritising creativity and cultural industries in local development plans and international cooperation. On World Cities Day,

  • Cambodia pivots to solar, wind energy

    Cambodia is planning a move towards solar and wind energy to meet its rising power demands, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak. On the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week event held recently, Rottanak emphasised the urgency of diversifying Cambodia’s

  • Angkor causeway symbol of Cambodia-Japan ties

    In a historic moment marking another milestone in the 70-year-long diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan, King Norodom Sihamoni celebrated the formal inauguration of a causeway located to the west of the world-renowned Angkor Wat. While presiding over the November 4 ceremony, the King emphasised the

  • Manet calls for Cambodia’s railways to get back on track

    Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed the relevant authorities to expedite studies into upgrades to the Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk railway line. He suggested that the maximum speed on the line should be increased to 80km/h, in order to expedite the transportation of