ADHOC CRITICIZES BEATING OF BOEUNG KAK LAKE PROTESTERS
Phnom Penh, 13 March 2013 – The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) condemns in the strongest terms the callous beating of peaceful protesters outside the Prime Minister’s house on 13 March 2013. In total more than ten people were injured, five seriously – including two who were knocked unconscious – when they were set upon by security forces. The demonstrators were former residents of Boeung Kak Lake in Phnom Penh- the site of a controversial forced eviction in January 2012. The beating of protesters by security forces is completely unacceptable; freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are enshrined in the Cambodian Constitution, in addition to international human rights standards to which Cambodia is state party. The beating of protesters has no place in a society that respects the rights of its citizens. An investigation should be launched into today’s vicious attack and the perpetrators brought to justice.
The protesters had gathered outside the Ministry of Justice at around 8:00am. They went to request the release of Yorm Bopha, a former Boeung Kak Lake resident who was sentence to three years in prison on December 26 2012. She was convicted on extremely weak evidence in a trial that fell well short of international fair trial standards. Her husband was among those attached when he was recognized. A leader of the security forces reportedly said “arrest him for me and beat him for me”. He lost three front teeth and sustained severe injuries to both of his legs when he was beaten by more than ten people. The Boeung Kak Lake villagers had signed a petition that they wished to hand into the Ministry, but nobody came to meet them. After two hours they went to the Prime Minister’s house to register their protest. According to victims interviewed by ADHOC, as they approached the Prime Minister’s residence they were attacked by police, military police and Wat Bottom Park security officers. A number of women were pushed to the ground and those who intervened were punched and kicked.
Today’s beatings demonstrate the violence security forces are willing to employ against those who legitimately protest against the government. The beatings are in violation of the Cambodian Constitution and the Penal Code, 2009 and a full investigation into the incident must be opened if Cambodia is sincere in its commitment to its human rights obligations.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ny Chakrya, Head of Monitoring, ADHOC: 011 274 959
Mr. Neil Loughlin, Technical Assistant, ADHOC: 092 648 318; Loughlin.adhoc@gmail.com
