http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4552054.stm

Last Updated: Thursday, 22 December 2005, 10:38 GMT

A Cambodian court has found the country's opposition leader guilty of two counts of criminal defamation.

It sentenced Sam Rainsy to 18 months in prison for remarks he made about the leaders of the governing coalition.

Sam Rainsy has been in self-imposed exile since losing his parliamentary immunity from prosecution in February, and refused to return for the trial.

This week he called the proceedings a travesty of justice and questioned the judiciary's independence.

The opposition leader had accused Prime Minister Hun Sen of involvement in a grenade attack on an opposition rally eight years ago. And he claimed that the Funcinpec party leader, Prince Ranariddh, had accepted financial inducements to form a coalition government.

The court ruled there was no evidence to support either accusation.

The Sam Rainsy party is now in an uncertain position. Analysts say the leader's prolonged absence has weakened the opposition.

The party's secretary general recently resigned and support for Sam Rainsy among the diplomatic community has dwindled after he missed several projected dates for his return.

Human rights activists have criticised the use of defamation suits against opposition figures.

Two critics of the government are in jail awaiting trial after speaking out against a border treaty with Vietnam and several others left Cambodia after charges were brought against them.

The stupid one-eyed monkey can't take criticism like a true politician and sues them however he can.

My question is, why don't Sam Rainsy provides those evidence (if he had one) against Hun Sen and Rannirith for the illegal things they've done?

no one is innocent..they all greedy. It true why don't he provided enough evidence..maybe the evidence could tie himself too. 2

My understanding is that no matter what evidence Mr. Sam Rainsy submits to the court, the presiding Cambodian judge dismissess all of it. Just like Hun Sen was acquitted by the Cambodian court even though there is evidence from the FBI against him. It is the same thing with Mr. Sam Rainsy. It is more than just having the evidence.

Opposition Leader, Sam Rainsy has been oppressed by the oppresser.
However, lately Prime Minister Hun Sen officially offering Sam Rainsy to reconcile home and joint venture the parties.
Well, three parties forming into one party, they are delibertely cooperately building trust loyalty and working together for Cambodia's sprosperity, accordingly to the source (cambodia daily)

Such a complexity within Khmer politic, merely don't know closely the situation is directly giong,
previous months, Prime Minister accusing Sam Rainsy, as a a result of heavily criticising the effort of by Prime Minister Hun Sen. According to that, it's suspecion or rather allegation. Under PM Hun Sen law and order, causing Sam Rasiny to exile from HOME.

Highly corrupted Leaders, systematically, running by power greeds and real constitution.
It's ineffectively, it not really matter how much evidences you want to show, those officials, courts are highly ignoring and denying justice and evidence.
I am assumed, evidnece are mostly likely not working in undeveloped countries.

They are basically listened to PM Hun Sen. It's power and force, PM Hun Sen obligate the power and force in his own way.