Three villagers locked in a battle with an NGO accused of human rights violations have asked for a delay to their scheduled court interrogation, saying they fear arrest if they appear at the hearing.

The men have been summoned to appear at Preah Vihear provincial court on Thursday on suspicion of incitement, fraud and disinformation according to copies of summonses signed last week by investigating judge Sor Savuth.

Kim Sophal, who has been summoned along with villagers Srey Sophan and Sath Savoen said the three men planned to remain in Phnom Penh for the time being at a press conference held yesterday.

“We will not go to court this week because we are afraid of arrest,” Kim Sophal said. “We need a lawyer first.”

The three villagers are part of a group in Choam Khsan district’s Kantout commune who say they have been terrorised by staff from the Drugs and AIDS Research and Prevention Organisation, an NGO run by a one-star general…read the full story in tomorrow’s Phnom Penh Post or see the updated story online from 3PM UTC/GMT +7 hours.