Two migrants were sent to the provincial court yesterday after they were arrested on Monday during a protest against the razing of their illegally constructed shelters at Siem Reap’s Phnom Kulen National Park.

The villagers, Tang La, 52, and Chhun Nath, 37, were charged with incitement to commit a felony on Monday, confirmed Sou Sok, Banteay Srey’s district governor.

From Sunday to Monday, police and forestry officials demolished the residents’ huts. Officials allege that the villagers – who originally migrated from nearby provinces – have been logging the conservation site.

More than 300 residents decried the actions at a protest on Monday, where the two detainees were apprehended.

On Tuesday, Siem Reap authorities vowed to release the prisoners once they have negotiated conditions with residents. “But we need to send them to court first. This is our obligation,” Sok said.