5 November 2012 – More than 100 judges, prosecutors, lawyers and judicial police officers in the country discussed the challenges they face in the implementation of the Penal Code in a conference jointly organized by the Ministry of Justice and OHCHR Cambodia. The two-day event held in Phnom Penh focused its discussions on the consistent application of the provisions on theft and extortion, freedom of expression and alternative sentencing. Judge Krister Thelin, member of the UN Human Rights Committee, delivered a presentation on possible restrictions on freedom of expression under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with particular reference to General Comment 34 on Article 19 of the Covenant. Mr. James Heenan, Representative a.i. of OHCHR Cambodia, emphasized in his opening speech that provisions in the Penal Code must be interpreted in accordance with international human rights standards. To read Mr. Heenan's speech, click here. To download a copy of the bilingual publication on General Comment 34, click here.