Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Boeung Kak’s Vanny is released

Boeung Kak’s Vanny is released

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Boeung Kak land dispute activist Tep Vanny is congratulated by supporters following her release from prison on Monday night. fresh news

Boeung Kak’s Vanny is released

Boeung Kak community land activist Tep Vanny was freed from Prey Sar prison on Monday night after a release warrant was issued by Phnom Penh Municipal Court. This followed a Royal Pardon from King Norodom Sihamoni.

Three other Boeung Kak land activists were also released by Royal Pardon on Monday night, which came at the request of prime minister-designate Hun Sen.

The release warrant issued by Phnom Penh Municipal Court deputy prosecutor Kuch Kimlong said that Vanny had been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for intentional violence with aggravating circumstances, and had also received a six-month sentence for insulting and disobeying public officials.

“As per the power of the above Royal Decree, Tep Vanny is released . . . released to walk free,” the release warrant stated.

The King’s Royal Decree also pardoned other Boeung Kak activists Heng Mom, Bo Chhorvy and Kong Chantha.

Vanny, 27, was detained by the court on August 15, 2016, and had served more than two years of her sentence.

Fellow Boeung Kak activist Puthi Sak told The Post on Monday night that he hoped the move would help reduce political tensions and that the Cambodian government would continue with such action.

He said: “I think this will help to reduce political tensions, and we, as friends of the victims who were released, are very happy and excited.

“I hope this release will extend to other [jailed] human rights activists in order to ensure peace of mind for all Cambodians.”

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Prominent land rights activist Tep Vanny is escorted by officials at court in Phnom Penh. fresh news

Phan Chhun Reth, another Boeung Kak activist, also expressed her delight at Monday night’s developments, saying: “I am very happy to hear the news of [Vanny’s] release. Now everybody is dancing in the village. Nothing could be happier news than this.”

Am Sam Ath, investigation head at human rights NGO Licadho, said: “I welcome this release after the pardon by Royal Decree, but Tep Vanny was unjustly imprisoned for more than two years after she and the Boeung Kak community had only protested to demand a solution to their land dispute.

“Vanny’s release came after a series of condemnations and demands from the international community and national bodies. I think this development came about because the new government, which will be formed soon, will want to get support from the international community.”

Vanny was serving a 30-month prison sentence for a 2013 protest that turned violent, while also serving a six-month sentence for a separate protest outside City Hall.

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

  • EU’s Sokha resolution ‘a sovereign rights breach’

    The National Assembly (NA) said the European Parliament (EP) did not respect the Kingdom’s independence and sovereignty when it passed a resolution strongly critical of the recent conviction and sentencing of former opposition leader Kem Sokha for “treason”. On March 16, the EP issued a