By May Titthara and David Boyle
Wednesday, 09 May 2012
Phnom Penh Post
Chut Wutty, who was
gunned down last month while investigating illegal logging, walks on a
dirt road in Botum Sakor National Park in Koh Kong province in February.
Photograph: Reuters
An estimated 600 people will travel to parts of the Cardamom Mountains
in Koh Kong province to investigate illegal logging and commemorate the
death of slain environment activist Chut Wutty tomorrow.
Communities from eight provinces that have been affected by
deforestation will travel to Koh Kong province from May 10 to 13, a
statement released yesterday by the Cambodian Center for Human Rights said.
They
will first travel to Thma Bang district before moving on the next day
to Veal Bei Point in Mondul Seima district’s Bak Khlang commune where
Chut Wutty was shot, the statement said.
CCHR president Ou Virak
said yesterday that the purpose of the trip was to show the government
that those fighting deforestation would continue to stand up despite the
loss of a leader.
“The very reason Chut Wutty was killed was
because they tried to confiscate his camera and delete his memory card,
and it was pretty obvious that a lot of illegal activities were going on
that he was investigating,” he said.
A five-member joint
investigative committee found that Chut Wutty was shot on April 26 by
military police officer In Rattana, who had attempted to confiscate his
camera and was in turn accidentally killed when security guard Ran
Boroth tried to disarm him.
Ran Boroth was charged on Friday with unintentional murder.
“I
think it is very important that we continue to be defiant of the
illegal loggers,” Ou Virak said, adding he hoped the government would
support them rather than create obstacles during their trip.
The Post has previously photographed large hauls of luxury rosewood
being trucked out the Cardamom Mountains at night in Koh Kong province
and conservationists say the trade in illegal timber in the area is
rampant.
Svay Phoeun, a village representative from Preah Vihear
province, said Chut Wutty’s shooting did not intimidate him, and he was
determined to find evidence of illegal logging, regardless of any
threat to his life.
“I don’t care. What I want to do is just
get evidence of illegal logging in that area to pass to the government
because Mr Wutty could not pass his evidence to the government,” he
said.
Bun Leut, Governor of Koh Kong province, said he had not yet been informed about the planned trip.
“I am not sure if I will allow them to do that or not because I did not see their request yet,” he said.
Independent
environmental activist Marcus Hardtke said large-scale illegal logging
had taken place for too long in the Cardamom Mountains and someone
needed to take action on the issue.
“In principle, this is a
very nice and symbolic gesture, and in the absence of any government
action this is very useful,” he said.
To contact the reporter on this story: May Titthara at titthara.may@phnompenhpost.com
David Boyle at david.boyle@phnompenhpost.com
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2 comments:
What a view of our Khmer Hero, Mr. Chhut Vuthy. We miss him so much!
Whatta fuck is unintentional's killing.....!? What if i kill one of Cpp clans can i use the term " un-intentional's killing" to me is nonsense!...the fucker [murderer] was intended to kill Chut Vuthy,thatwise he (shooter) pulled the trigger and killed two people.
He thought/plan/intended to kill and eliminate these two people,and you telling me that all these killing were not intended? Not only killing
two humanbeing,they (Cpp) trying to cover up the crimes as well,you are telling that all these killing were accidental....what's a joke!...?
This thug who killed these two guys were planed to shoot and killed and destroyed evidence,because Chut Vuthy expose their illegal logging activity.
Un-intentional's killing..!!? Oh,come on give break!...your're fucking incompetence/injustice rules of Cpp's LAWS....
Y.K.Pro
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