Soma Norodom

Royal Rebel Soma Norodom

In June 2010, Soma moved to Cambodia to take care of her sick father, who had decided to move from California to his homeland, and stay for the remainder of his life. She established the first English-speaking radio talk show in the country and later became a Columnist for the Phnom Penh Post. As a direct descendant of King Norodom I, the Founder and Patriarch of the Cambodian Royal Family, Soma embraced her new title as a Princess of Cambodia. She learned to speak the language and became knowledgeable about the history and culture. She made it a project to educate herself about the political issues and started questioning the authorities. Her Phnom Penh Post columns annoyed the Government, and on October 29, 2012, she was accused of Incitement. Alienated by her Royal Family, friends, and colleagues, Soma was alone in the fight for Freedom of Expression. Only one man could save her.