More jailed mothers set to be freed

Another 37 female prisoners who are pregnant or have children will receive royal pardons during next week’s Khmer New Year holiday.

Ministry of Justice spokesman Kim Santepheap yesterday said that the 37 women will be released from prison on Tuesday, the first day of Khmer New Year. Their release comes on the heels of the March 8 release of 22 mothers and expectant mothers in connection with International Women’s Day.

“There are 23 [female] prisoners who have children, along with 14 prisoners who are pregnant who will be released during Khmer New Year,” Santepheap said, adding that the decision was made at a Justice Ministry meeting on Monday. “Some have been released [without pardon] because they have served their jail terms already.”

The women will be joined by another 113 prisoners receiving full pardons, while another 662 prisoners are scheduled to see their sentences reduced the same day.

King Norodom Sihamoni’s pardon of the women followed a mid-February request from Prime Minister Hun Sen, which came shortly after a report from local rights group Licadho about mothers giving birth and raising children behind bars.

Contact author: Chhay Channyda

MOST VIEWED

Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO
Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in
Famed US collector family return artefacts to Cambodia
In the latest repatriation of ancient artefacts from the US, a total of 33 pieces of Khmer cultural heritage will soon return home, according to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. In a September 12 press statement, it said the US Attorney’s Office for the
Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing
To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable
Kampot curfew imposed to curb ‘gang’ violence
Kampot provincial police have announced measures to contain a recent spike in antisocial behaviour by “unruly’ youth. Officials say the province has been plagued by recent violence among so-called “gang members”, who often fight with weapons such as knives and machetes. Several social observers have
CP denied registration documents by ministry
The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do
Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings
Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument