We the undersigned are gravely concerned to hear of about the case of Mr. Chhin Rithy a teacher at Neak Loeung Secondary School and President of CITA in Prey Veng Province. We understand that in April, 2009, Mr. Chhin Rithy made a formal complaint to the Ministry of Edcuation, Youth and Sport Provincial Office in Prey Veng about the alleged sale of school land by the school director Mr. Yoeun Sovuthy and that this complaint was investigated by Ministry in May, 2009. At this time Mr. Yoeun Sovuthy also logged a complaint of defamation against Mr. Chhin Rithy. The investigation by the ministry failed to resolve the issue and in when the case against Mr. Chhin Rithy was heard the court ordered him to pay 10,000,000 riel ($2,448USD) compensation to Mr. Yoeun Sovuthy. That the court made this order without hearing from the wittiness’ of Mr. Chhin Rithy or having the information gathered from the Ministry’s own investigation calls into question the autonomy and due process of the court in this case. As Mr. Chhin Rithy’s appeal against this judgement is now due to be heard on Thursday July 8th 2011 we urge the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to present to the court any information relating to its investigation into the original complaint made by Mr. Chhin Rithy or relating to record of ownership of the land in question. We believes that it essential the Ministry do this so that principles of justice and due process are adhered when this case is heard. We believe that if the fight against corruption in education is to be successful that the highest standards of due process and fairness are maintained by the institutions of the state especially the courts so that the public can have the utmost trust in their public services and legal system. We look forward to hearing from you on this matter and will follow the appeal case with interest.

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