Sep 20, 2006

Khmer-Krom: Three Arrested for Criticizing Cambodian Prime Minister


At least three Khmer-Kroms are imprisoned in Cambodia accused of being a party to the criticism of the prime minister of Cambodia, according to a VOA report.

At least three Khmer-Kroms are imprisoned in Cambodia accused of being a party to the criticism of Mr. Hun Sen, the prime minister of Cambodia, according to a VOA report.

Mr. Thach Samnang aged 44. Mr. Thach Ngoc Thuong aged 46, Mrs. Tri Lun aged 41, were detained on Saturday 16 September 2006, are now awaiting trial for protesting against Mr. Hun Sen. The detainees alleged to have criticized Mr. Hun Sen for involving in corruption activities and sold Khmer lands to Viet Nam.

A Khmer-Krom human rights organization based in Cambodia is appealing to Cambodian government and foreign embassies to thoroughly investigate this matter in order to seek justice for the three, whom are believed to be innocent of any crime.

Mr. Tang Chanh Rith, the head of Khmer-Krom Human Rights Protection group said Khmer-Kroms in the past have been accused and arrested without any evident due to their nationalistic view and national security concern imposed by Viet Nam.

A Cambodian government spokesman, Mr. Kia Kinarith, defending the government’s action saying that before any arrest, the government has all the evident necessary, and it is now up to the court to make judgments.

Over a million Khmer-Kroms has fled to Cambodia from the oppressive Vietnamese colonial government. Khmer-Kroms in Cambodia encounter more hardship and many are living in dye poverty. The Cambodian local and provincial authorities has refused to give Khmer-Krom the necessary papers to live and work in Cambodia, contrary to the promise of the Cambodian government to treat Khmer-Krom as their brothers.