Phnom Penh, 08 October 2013 – The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) is deeply concerned at the numerous reports it has received from people who have been intimidated and harassed when attempting to exercise their legitimate rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. Since the national elections on 28 July 2013 – alongside instances of violence, electoral fraud and other well-documented electoral irregularities – ADHOC has received reports of supporters of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) targeted for intimidation, arrest and detention by the authorities.
This is in contrast to the inaction of the authorities with regards to the death of Mr. Mao Sok Chan and the many others injured on Phnom Penh’s Kbal Thnal overpass on 15 September 2013. The Phnom Penh authorities have yet to launch an investigation into the murder of this young man, while provincial authorities seem quick to arrest and detain opposition activists.
In the last week, at least eight people appear to have been targeted for their political affiliation. ADHOC will soon release a short report on the full extent of violations of fundamental freedoms following the 2013 national elections.
- On 02 October 2013 Mr. Sim Polo, from Toul Sraing village, P’nov commune, Sithorkandal district, Prey Veng province, was arrested and detained on charges of intentional violence. ADHOC has investigated this case and found no evidence to suggest that Mr. Sim Polo has committed an offence to merit this charge, and has filed a complaint to the prosecutor. Mr. Sim Polo had a physical confrontation with the Village Chief. However, witnesses present at the scene have told ADHOC that the injuries sustained by the Village Chief were caused by an accident he had falling over drunk after the physical confrontation, not from as a result of the actions of Mr. Sim Polo. Mr. Sim Polo is a CNRP activist who displayed a CNRP sign during the election campaign.
- On 02 October Mrs. Khev Lai, a former resident of Borei Keila who was forcibly evicted from her home in January 2012 and is now living at the Pnom Bat relocation site in Ponhea Leu district, Kandal province, has had a police officer come to harass her at her home according to witnesses. She has been a vocal critic of conditions at the relocation site and has led people to demonstrate against unfair compensation. She encouraged villagers from Pnom Bat to join CNRP political events and it is believed that police have visited her home in an attempt to arrest her in relation to her activism and political affiliation. She has since fled her home to escape further harassment.
- On 06 October 2013, four community representatives of Lor Peang village, Kampong Tralach district. Kampong Chhnang Provice – Mrs. Oun Sophea, Mr. Nhem Sheann, Mr. Reach Seyma, Mr. Pheang Rom – have twice had letters posted in front of their homes threatening them with violence. The Lor Peang community has been involved in a long-running land dispute with the politically connected KDC Development Company. The four village representatives have encouraged members of their community to support the CNRP and the letters found posted to their door have threatened to kill them if they bring people to CNRP events.
- On 07 October 2013, Mr. Bunly Sean and his son Bunly Bunleang from Vihear village, Svay Por commune, Srey Sithor district, Kampong Cham province were arrested and detained on charges of destroying a Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) signboard. ADHOC is investigating these charges but have been denied access to the warrant for arrest. There is no witness evidence linking the men to the crime thus far and it could be that these men have been singled out for their political affiliation.
ADHOC urges the Cambodian authorities to respect their national and international legal commitments regarding freedoms of expression, association and assembly, and the principle of political pluralism guaranteed under the Cambodian constitution. The harassment of CNRP activists is in stark contrast to the authorities’ failure to meaningfully investigate the death of Mr. Mao Sok Chan, a young father of four who was killed last month. At this time of heightened political tension, and increased international scrutiny of Cambodia’s democratic values, it is incumbent on the authorities to ensure that supporters of all parties are not punished for expressing their democratic rights – and to investigate what happened on the Kbal Thnal overpass – if they are sincere in their commitment to democracy.
For more information or comment, please contact:
Mr. Ny Chakrya, Head of Human Rights and Legal Aid Section: 011 274 959
Mr. Chan Soveth, Senior Investigator: 016667373
Mr. Neil Loughlin, Technical Assistant: 092 648 318; loughlin.adhoc@gmail.com
