Group lends support to imprisoned activist Vanny

Opposition lawmaker Mu Sochua speaks to the press outside Prey Sar prison while delivering a letter of support from the Vital Voices Global Partnership to jailed land rights activist Tep Vanny. Pha Lina

Vital Voices Global Partnership, a group that recognises the role of women in promoting human rights, have issued a letter of support for jailed Boeung Kak lake activist Tep Vanny, who has been in Prey Sar prison for more than 13 months on charges widely seen as punishment for her activism.

The letter, received by opposition lawmaker Mu Sochua, expressed support for Vanny’s work and said the group hoped her conviction for holding a protest outside Hun Sen’s home would be overturned.

“While you are imprisoned, take strength from us. We will tirelessly advocate for you, and share in your fight,” reads the letter signed by other female activists and leaders from across the world.

The group also feted the lake activist in 2012 for her “unyielding commitment” to protecting her fellow citizens’ rights and even called her a global role model. The award was presented to Vanny in Washington, DC, in the presence of then-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden.

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