US 'deeply concerned' over killing of environmental activist

PHNOM PENH, 3 May 2012 (Cambodia Herald) - The United States said Thursday it was "deeply concerned" about last week's fatal shooting of environmental activist Chut Wutty, who was killed along with a military policeman.

In a statement, the American embassy said Chut Wutty was "one of Cambodia’s most prominent environmentalists and staunch human rights defenders."

The embassy said it was "closely following the situation and seeking to get a comprehensive understanding of the facts on the ground.

"We urge Cambodian authorities to undertake a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation into this matter.
Furthermore, the United States encourages authorities to prosecute anyone found responsible in a similarly transparent and credible manner."  

The statement also welcomed the release of two detained journalists from The Cambodia Daily.

"We strongly support freedom of the press," it said, urging the government to "remain committed to the creation of space for independent journalists to do their work without fear of violence or persecution."

The embassy praised Chut Wutty’s organization, Natural Resources Protection Group, for its "invaluable work in protecting Cambodia’s natural resources" and in calling for a more transparent government.

"The United States remains concerned about the use of force to curb the actions of individuals seeking to peacefully shed light on important issues like illegal logging. We call on the Royal Government of Cambodia to ensure the protection of these individuals and their basic civil rights."