Phnom Penh, 30 October 2013 – The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) condemns in the strongest terms the use of violence by authorities against civilians exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.
This morning, Borei Keila evictees staged a protest outside City Hall to demand the construction of new houses for 117 families who are still homeless after being evicted on 3 January 2012 by Phan Imex Company – owned by Suy Sophan. In 2004, the company signed a contract with the residents of Borei Keila to build 10 housing blocks for 1,776 families in exchange for their land. The company finished only eight buildings. Phan Imex has begun to build two more blocks on the plot of land reserved for relocation, however they are not meant for evicted Borei Keila residents.
Problems occurred today when a group of around 100 protesters marched to City Hall. The municipal authorities had earlier told them to send only five representatives of their community to City Hall by tuk tuk or motorbike and warned them if a larger group came their complaint would remain unheard, in clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and assembly guaranteed under domestic and international law.
Protesters marched to City Hall regardless and were met with violence by the authorities. As they attempted to reach City Hall they were met with riot police and two female protesters were injured. Ms. Srey Mey, 14, was hit on her head and on her shoulder by an electric baton; Ms Sam Chan Navy, 41, had her legs beaten when she attempted to defend herself from being hit in the genitals.
The protesters later reached City Hall where they successfully managed to block the road. However, they were soon dispersed by riot police who charged the crowd. They were backed by Daun Penh district security guards, who used excessive force against the protesters and chased down one man, Mr Pov Sovorn, 34, and beat him before he was dragged into the grounds at City hall. Mr. Poy Sovorn, a tuk-tuk driver, claimed he was not taking part in the demonstration. ADHOC monitors saw him being beaten by the authorities. He was arrested for violence against a public officer, an accusation that he denies. He was released in the afternoon. In another act of violence, Ms Prum Seyha, 47, was dragged to the floor and trampled by Daun Penh security guards and sustained an injury to her leg. ADHOC monitors have noted that Daun Penh security guards have been willing to use violence as a matter of course at protests in the city recently, and it is incumbent upon their superiors to ensure that this stop immediately and those caught attacking protesters are punished.
ADHOC reiterates its condemnation over the use of violence against demonstrators and reminds the Cambodian government and the authorities to respect their national and international legal commitments regarding fundamental freedoms of expression, association and assembly. In particular, Daun Penh district security cannot continue to commit violence against civilians and should be disciplined for such acts as they currently act as little more than hired thugs in the district.
For more information or comment, please contact:
Mr. Nay Vanda, Deputy Head of Human Rights and Legal Aid Section: 012599106
Mr. Neil Loughlin, Technical Assistant: 092 648 318; loughlin.adhoc@gmail.com
Mr. Chan Soveth, Deputy Head of Land and Natural Resources Rights Section: 016667373
Ms Stella Anastasía, Technical Assistant: anastasia.adhoc@gmail.com
