Five men involved in a long-running land dispute with a politically connected company in Kompong Chhnang’s Lor Peang village were yesterday released on bail from the provincial prison.

About 52 families from the village accuse KDC International, owned by Chea Kheng, the wife of Mines and Energy Minister Suy Sem, of illegally seizing some 150 hectares of their land.

Sieng Heng and Mang Yav were arrested after a clash with KDC workers in July while Kuch Hok, Srun Tha and Sngoun Nhoeun were all taken into custody on August 12 after police broke up a march from Kampong Chhnang province to Phnom Penh.

According to statement from Licadho the five were released on condition that they appear if summonsed, do not change their addresses and check in with commune police each month.

The release on bail was granted following a request from CPP lawmaker for Kompong Chhnang province, Ke Chanmony (For more on Lor Peang see page 9).