Embassy concerned by arrests

The US Embassy says it is “deeply concerned” by the arrest of 17 people in Koh Kong, including human rights monitors and journalists, at a Wednesday protest.

Protesters demanding the release of three Mother Nature activists detained for activities against sand-dredging firm Direct Access were held for eight hours, as were some reporters and monitors.

Via email yesterday, embassy acting public affairs officer Courtney Woods said peaceful protest and freedom of expression were part of a healthy democracy.

“We urge the Cambodian government to ensure that these fundamental rights are valued and protected,” Woods said.

On Thursday, Koh Kong provincial hall issued a statement justifying the arrests, saying the group had affected public order by marching to court without permission.

Rights groups yesterday said they wanted to meet the prosecutor to explain the role of human rights monitors and the legality of peaceful protests.

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
Ream base allegations must end, urges official
A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical
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
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
PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1
Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to
Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit
Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former