Rainsy
Rainsy v. Facebook, Inc.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Kim, J.
Sam Rainsy ("Applicant") has filed an Ex Parte Application for leave to obtain third party discovery from Facebook for use in proceedings in Cambodia, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1782 . Facebook, Inc. ("Facebook") opposes the motion. Applicant seeks both documents from and a deposition of Facebook pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 30(b)(6) on several topics. Having reviewed the parties' papers, relevant legal authority and having heard oral argument, the Court DENIES the motion for the reasons set forth below.
*1108 BACKGROUND
Applicant is the founder of the Cambodian National Rescue Party ("CNRP") and is living in exile in France. (Dkt. 2, ¶¶ 3, 13.) Applicant is a vocal opponent of the current Cambodian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen, an ex-commander of the Khmer Rouge. ( Id. , ¶ 1.) Applicant has already been the subject of one assassination attempt, and Hun Sen has threatened his life. (Dkt. 2, ¶ 2; Dkt. 13, ¶ 26).
Applicant seeks information from Facebook to respond to criminal and civil proceedings that Hun Sen and his proxies have initiated against him in Cambodia. These include the following:
(1) First Defamation Case -Son Soeun, the manager of Hun…