21 years waiting for justice

On the morning of the 22nd January 2025, around 100 union members, activists, worker, civil society organizations and political party representatives peacefully gathered in front of the statue of Mr. Chea Vichea near the Wat Langka pagoda in Phnom Penh. The gathering was held to commemorate the 21-year anniversary of his death, from the 22 January 2004. The late Chea Vichea was a prominent leader of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia. People laid flowers at his statue whilst calling for justice for Mr. Vichea’s death and an end to impunity in Cambodia. Around 50 police officers, dressed in either uniform or civilian attire, were deployed to surround, observe and take photos of the peaceful gathering. ADHOC, LICADHO and CCHR monitored the extent of freedom of assembly at this gathering as well.