Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Prison melee set off by ex-CNRP activists’ ‘insults’

Prison melee set off by ex-CNRP activists’ ‘insults’

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Correctional Centre 3, also known as Trapeang Phlong prison, in Tbong Khmum province where the 14 former CNRP activists were transferred to on August 21. SUPPIED

Prison melee set off by ex-CNRP activists’ ‘insults’

An investigation into the cause of violence against former opposition activists in Trapeang Phlong prison in Tbong Khmum province on August 21 indicated that the trouble began when two of them “refused to cooperate” and shouted insults, said a senior official.

Nuth Savana, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior’s General Department of Prisons (GDP), confirmed on September 4 that officers were only following procedures for inmate processing and safety. He explained that when 38 inmates – 14 of them activists from the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) – arrived at the prison, they were treated like any other newcomers.

“Prison officers – along with an assistant who is a detainee himself at the prison – were checking the new arrivals. But two of the 14 activists didn’t cooperate with the assistant, saying he was just a prisoner and even insulting him.

“The assistant got angry and responded in kind, saying they [activists] were also ‘thieves’ and thus not any better. They were then at each other’s throats, leading to a fight after [the assistant] slapped the duo: Keo Thai and Nhem Vein,” he said.

Sam Sokong, a lawyer for the 14 activists, claimed that Vien was more seriously injured than Thai and therefore should get a medical treatment outside of the prison. But he said he would await the results of treatment by medics on duty at the prison and from rights group LICADHO before making a request for Vien.

“In fact, three out of the 14 activists suffered violence, but Thai and the other one only sustained mild injuries. [Vien] has broken ribs and injuries to his ears, which were severely affected. I think prison medics are not specialised enough in ear care, which requires treatment outside of the prison,” he said.

But the GDP spokesman rejected the lawyer’s claims, saying Vien already had an ear condition prior to the fight.

“The real problem is that Vien has swollen knees, which the medical team is taking care of. They have given him medicine to apply on the knees,” he said.

Sokong said he planned to submit a letter to the GDI requesting the transfer of all 14 inmates to a prison in Phnom Penh.

“We believe that the transfer of these 14 inmates from Prey Sar Prison in [Phnom Penh] to Trapeang Phlong near the Vietnamese border was to avoid any visits by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia, when he was in Cambodia last month,” he said.

According to the lawyer, the transfer of his clients from the capital will adversely affect the court’s proceedings as they have not yet reached a final verdict.

Savana rejected the claims that the transfer was to avoid a visit by the UN rapporteur. He said the transfer of inmates between facilities takes place on a regular basis to ease overcrowding in prisons.

The 14 former CNRP activists were each sentenced to five years in prison on charges of incitement to commit a crime and conspiracy to plotting against the government.

However, the court decided to impose a sentence of three years and eight months with the remainder of their terms suspended.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans