Sam Rainsy Party Commune Councilor Arrested

On October 7, 2009 at about 10:00 AM a commune councilor from Sam Rainsy Party, Mr. Ly Srey Monin, 36, was arrested in handcraft after he left from a monthly commune council meeting. At that time, there were many joint taskforces including police officers and RCAF, but only three of them came up and escorted him from the steps of the office building. He was allegedly accused of involving with insulting, arson, committing violence and inciting during court execution on July 23-24, 2009. He was captured according to the order, which issued on July 2 by provincial court Sem Kuch.

However, Mr. Srey Monin denied that he had been present at the event of the days because he had been to Phnom Penh. He asserted the case was the political issue; which was created only to intimidate members of Sam Rainsy Party. He was released immediately of the day, but warned that the case was still under investigation and that he could be arrested any time they wanted.

He also mentioned that the case related to the land conflict at Kbal Spean, Poipet commune had already finished and there was no reason for his arrest at all, if not political matter. He said he used to help poor people, who were treated by powerful men or high ranking officials in land disputes and other violations.

At the meantime of the arrest, local right organization ADHOC was intervening of the case.