Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Areng Valley dam activist summonsed

Areng Valley dam activist summonsed

Areng Valley dam activist summonsed

A prominent Areng Valley activist has been summonsed for questioning at Koh Kong Provincial Court next week over alleged forest crimes.

Ven Vorn, a community representative in the remote valley, was originally called to appear at the court last month, but the questioning was delayed. A new summons was issued this week ordering him to appear on April 3.

“This time, we will go on the scheduled day,” Vorn’s lawyer, Ith Mathoura, said.

According to Alex Gonzalez-Davidson, co-founder of environmental group Mother Nature, the Forestry Administration (FA) filed a complaint against Vorn for his role in building a visitor centre in the valley using wood the FA said they had not been given permission to use.

“The centre has been built and will continue to grow … fulfilling the vision of turning the valley into a hub for tourists, Khmer students, researchers, etc”, said Gonzalez-Davidson, who was deported last month.

“That the FA is not helping us but rather trying to send to jail one of the community leaders is a scandal without name.”

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to