Prosecutors yesterday recommended that the Ratanakkiri Provincial Court drop charges against two human rights activists and a radio reporter accused in 2009 of inciting villagers involved in a land dispute against agro-business firm DM Group.

Deputy prosecutor Ros Saram told the Post that because he had been unable to find sufficient evidence, he had recommended to presiding Judge Lock Lao that he drop charges brought by a previous judge against Pen Bonnar and Chhay Thy, of rights group Adhoc, and Radio Free Asia reporter Sok Ratha.

Saram said approval of the request depended on Judge Lao, whom the Post could not reach for comment yesterday.

“I hope the judge will approve this recommendation and let us free from these charges,” said Bonnar.

“We were working with villagers in accordance with the law.”

Bonnar added that this case was one of two brought against him due to his support of villagers engaged in a long-running land dispute with DM Group in Ratanakkiri.

To contact the reporter on this story: Chhay Channyda at [email protected]