Right Defenders, Journalist and Villagers Arrested

At least 28 people were arrested on July 24, 2009, after the verdict announced to order local villagers of 6 families in Kbal Spean village, Poipet commune, Poipet city of Banteay Meanchey province to dismantle their houses and leave the area. The decision was made by Ang Maltey, Provincial Court President to accuse those villagers had illegally lived the other’s land owned by Mr. Touch Phally Sovann. Those who were arrested that Friday included Mang Puthy, 31, branch president of IDEA; Uk Vanna, IDEA’s administrative staff; Sem Thean, local activist; Kung Rithy Poipet commune councilor from SRP; Phean Seng Ly, local journalist; 3 landlords; and some 20 tailors.

As reported by Vorn Pao, national president of IDEA, on July 24, 3 IDEA staffs went to monitor the verdict implemented due to the announcement the day before. They were arrested for the accusation of inciting violation public property and arson.

On July 27, Mr. Uk Vanna and Sem Thean were provisionally released on bail, but Mr. Mang Puthy was still in prison, so did Mr. Kung Rithy and the others.

In relation to the case, Mr. Sok Teng, 42, asserted that those 6 families had lived in the area since 1992. However, the judge decided to ask the villagers to leave. The next day of the verdict, the action was taken and led by Ang Maltey; Ao Borin, Deputy Military Police Chief in B Chey; Hun Hean, B Chey Police Commissioner and about 120 joint task forces, police, military police and RCAF solders as well as 2 fire engines.

On July 31, 23 people were released on bail, three of them Mr. Mang Puthy, Kung Rith and Ly Keang, one of the landlords were still in prison.

On August 8, 2009 Mr. Mang Puthy was released; whereas the others were also reportedly freed, according to Mr. Vorn Pao, national president of IDEA.