NGO fight

THE Appeal Court yesterday ordered the release on bail of two residents of Preah Vihear province’s Choam Ksan district who were arrested in connection with a complaint filed against an NGO that has come under fire for alleged human rights abuses, a court official said.

“We decided to release the two on bail because the case is not the criminal one,” Judge Chhuon Sunleng said.

The two villagers – 45-year-old Sath Savoeun and 62-year-old Srey Sophan – were charged with incitement, disinformation and forgery after a complaint was filed against them by the Drugs and AIDS Research and Prevention Organisation.

Prior to their arrest, they had served as representatives of families that accused the NGO – which is run by a one-star general – of subjecting Choam Ksan residents to “threats, rape and torture”, among other abuses.

Their lawyer, Long Lun, said he would press the provincial court to release them immediately.