A protest allegedly turned violent outside Kampong Speu provincial court yesterday after security guards confronted about 1,000 garment workers, who were demanding the release of an arrested union representative.

Free Trade Union representative Sun Pisey was arrested last Friday after allegedly scarring fellow Sang Vo garment factory employee Soem Voleak during a scuffle.

Sang Vo workers, who protested outside the court for a second day yesterday, said Sun Pisey was advocating the benefits of joining the union when Soem Voleak attacked him and was arrested because of his union affiliations.

Protestor Man Thavy claimed yesterday that security guards from Sang Vo hit her across the head with sticks as they confronted demonstrators. “I lodged a complaint to ... [the] district police chief to hunt for justice,” she said.

Meng Sokha, chief of administration at Sang Vo, denied yesterday that company security guards had interfered with the protest. “The factory does not fine, punish or remove union representatives from the factory’s [books],” he said.

Mich Sophorn, chief of the crimes department at the district police, said yesterday that he would investigate the allegations.

FTU president Chea Mony yesterday condemned the alleged violence and requested that the government take action against the factory.

Provincial chief prosecutor Khut Sopheang could not be reached for comment by The Post yesterday.