Two Representatives Released under Judicial Investigation Conditions

Two villager representatives, Mr. You Tho and Kem Rithy, were released on bails on March 29, 2010 around 2:00 PM after people for those 11 affected villagers from 400 to 600 had subsequently protested in front of Kampong Speu Provincial Court since March 24, when they were arrested and pre-trial detained for 6 days.

Even though they were freed from jail, as asserted by Mr. Am Sam Ath, Senior Technical on Human Rights for Licadho, the people were set under the judicial investigation of 4 conditions: first, they have to appear 2 times a month at Kampong Speu Provincial Police Office on 15^th and 30^th from April on; second, they have to appear as appointed by judicial police unit, who also receives order from Investigating Judge; third, in case of need they have to appear immediately in front of anyone assigned by Investigating Judge; and finally, if any of the above conditions is not followed, they will immediately be arrested as ordered by Investigating Judge. The warrant comes into effect from the issued date.

Related to the above condition, it has been seen that the court has been used as a tool to intimidate other villagers from protesting against the above companies- Phnom Penh Sugar Co. Ltd and Kampong Speu Sugar Co. Ltd. The act clearly shows the violation of freedom of expression in addition to their right to property ownership and right to life, which have been also abused.

In contrast, the companies have been still clearing and bulldozing around villagers’ rice fields. Mr. Am Sam Ath said that at the moment the companies are still clearing the land around villagers’ rice fields. He also concerned that in the future even villagers’ rice paddy would probably be vanished as well.