Defrocked Monk Released in Vietnam

Tim Sakhorn seen here being sentenced by the Vietnamese court.

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer Original report from Phnom Penh 03 July 2008

Khmer audio aird 03 July 2008 (953 KB) - Download (MP3)
Khmer audio aird 03 July 2008 (953 KB) - Listen (MP3)

Tim Sakhorn , the Khmer Kampuchea Krom monk who was defrocked in Cambodia last year and subsequently detained in Vietnam, has been released, officials said Thursday.

Tim Sakhorn, who was accused of provoking unrest between the two countries, was jailed June 30, 2007, and released June 28.

Tim Sakhorn's father said he sent the defrocked monk's brother to Vietnam, to check on him, but Vietnamese authorities are taking him on a tour of the country, and he cannot be found.

Human Rights Watch issued a statement Thursday Tim Sakhorn should be allowed to move freely from Vietnam to Cambodia.

Vietnamese and Cambodian officials, meanwhile, say he can travel as he wishes.