Some 700

villagers in Prey Veng's Sithor Kandal district protested Sunday a

decision by the Ministry of Cults and Religions to allow the return of

a monk accused of stealing 20 million riel (US$4,853.19) from the

pagoda in October. Protesters burned tyres at the prospect of monk Penh

Ry's return. "We cannot welcome him back. We cannot give him respect,"

said villager representative Vey Chhun.