Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR)

Six Boeung Kak Lake community members who have represented residents in a land dispute have received summonses for allegedly “insulting” a commune chief.

In the latest factsheet in its “Law Review” series, CCHR rates the Press Law as “yellow”, meaning there are certain provisions that require review and amendment.

After a two-hour standoff between the authorities and participants, the event was allowed to proceed.

While contempt of court proceedings are important in ensuring the sanctity of an ongoing investigation, the court’s decision comes amid allegations that the Office of the Co-Investigating Judges is bowing to political pressure in the investigation into certain cases.

The award was granted to the Sithi portal in recognition of the role it has played in advocating for social change and promoting the civil and political rights of Cambodian citizens, using ICTs in innovative ways.

Police and local officials descended on each of the locations where the activists had gathered, confiscated their leaflets and detained participants in local commune offices for questioning and “re-education.”

A trend toward convictions aimed at those involved in the distribution of leaflets criticising the Royal Government of Cambodia gives cause for concern.

For several years, STT has spoken out against land evictions, having most recently criticised government plans to rehabilitate a dilapidated rail link connecting Phnom Penh with Thailand.