Toeun’s arrest followed a request from the Cambodian government.
For criticising the Cambodian government on social media, a 36-year-old Cambodian woman who worked as a maid in Malaysia, Nuon Toeun, has been deported.
Toeun’s arrest followed a request from the Cambodian government.
This development marks the continuation of both countries helping each other to arrest dissenting voices, CNN reports.
This development was confirmed by a Cambodian prison official and an opposition activist group.
Freedom House, a US-based organisation that promotes democracy, says the practice of attacking or sending back exiled dissidents “is becoming a ‘normal’ phenomenon as more governments around the world use it to silence dissent.″
In times before now, several human rights groups have criticised Southeast Asian governments for helping each other harass, detain and deport political dissidents in exile.
Toeun’s arrest followed a string of social media posts criticising the government's handling of social issues. Her detention comes on the heels of investigative reporter Mech Dara's incitement charges for similar online activities.
According to Radio Free Asia, Nuon Toeun frequently spoke out against Cambodia's leadership, including Prime Minister Hun Manet and his father, Senate President Hun Sen.
The US-funded news service reports that Toeun's criticism focused on the government's response to pressing social concerns.
The consecutive arrests have sparked concerns about Cambodia's deteriorating freedom of speech and the ruling party's tightening grip on dissenting voices.
If convicted on both charges, Nuon could face up to five years in prison and a fine.
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