Family members of a Cambodian labourer at the Tatai hydropower dam in Koh Kong province travelled to the dam site on Saturday to protest what they claim is their relative’s unjust detention on charges of causing injuries to a Chinese colleague.

The suspect, Oum Lim, 35, was detained on April 6 after being accused of beating up a Chinese worker at a dancing ceremony three days beforehand. Following his arrest, relatives filed a complaint to Licadho, claiming that Lim was napping while the incident occurred.

In Kingchit, provincial co-ordinator for Licadho, said he interviewed two roommates of Lim, who backed up his alibi.

Khim Sane, Koh Kong deputy police chief, said Lim was identified in a police lineup, but the man’s aunt said those who pointed him out were two friends of the injured worker.