NGO-CEDAW Statement
We, members of The Cambodian NGO Committee on CEDAW (NGO-CEDAW), a coalition of NGOs working for the advancement of the rights of women,unequivocally condemns the intimidation by security forces, armed with batons, yesterday at the Preah Ang Dangkeu spirit house in front of the royal palace where security forces, assisted by some thugs in civilian clothing without any visible identification and armed with batons, aggressively interrupted a peaceful gathering and prayers for the release of 23 detainees.
Participants were peacefully saying prayers, singing the national anthem and requesting an increase of the minimum salary as well as calling for the release of the 23 protestors wrongfully arrested on January 2 and 3 who are currently detained in CC3 prison. Bail has been denied for all 23 and they are still held in custody more than two weeks later.
Among the 23 protestors arrested is Mr. Vorn Pao, president of the Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA). Mr. Vorn Pao was severely beaten at the time of his arrest and is seriously ill, recovering from major surgery. Still for some bogus reason, authorities refuse to release him, even on a humanitarian basis to let him follow up on his medical treatment.
Yesterday during the aggressive intervention by the authorities assisted by their few undisclosed mercenaries, Mr. Sok Chhun Oeung, vice president of IDEA, was arrested while standing at the rear of the gathering. He was released on Monday 20 January after one night detention when he should not have been arrested at all. This arrest is also akin to intimidation as Mr. Sok Chhun Oeung was required to sign a form promising not to participate in or incite further activities the government deemed illegal.
NGO-CEDAW still calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the 23 persons previously arrested and detained at CC3. NGO-CEDAW especially insists on the urgent need of medical treatment for a life threatening condition of Mr. Vorn Pao.
Phnom Penh, 20 January 2014
For more information, contact:
Ms. OU Tep Phallin 011 984 883/098 984 883 email: phallin@cfswf.org
Mr. HENG Sam Orn 015 770 120 email: orn_idea@yahoo.com
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