Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Local activist called in for questioning

Local activist called in for questioning

Local activist called in for questioning

A prominent activist in Koh Kong province who has opposed the construction of the Stung Cheay Areng dam has been summonsed to court for alleged “forest crimes”.

The summons, issued by provincial court judge Min Makara last month, was handed to Ven Vorn on Sunday.

The activist was charged with collecting forest products without permission and tampering with evidence.

If found guilty, Vorn could face up to five years in prison.

“If you do not appear [in court] on the aforementioned date, we will issue an arrest warrant,” the summons reads.

Vorn yesterday said he planned to attend the hearing, which was likely related to the construction of a community centre in the Areng Valley.

“The authorities want to place false allegations against me because I am a representative of the community and protect the natural resources of the Areng,” he said.

Vorn was one of several activists and journalists detained last week while protesting the jailing of three activists from local NGO Mother Nature.

In Kongchit, of local rights group Licadho, said the summons was intended to stifle further protests.

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

  • 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

  • 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