Ten years ago, union leader Chea Vichea was killed by a gunman while reading his newspaper near Wat Lanka. The killer still roams free…
In the tense post-election climate which saw violent crackdowns on striking workers on January 2nd and 3rd, a commemoration was held in the streets of Phnom Penh today, with an unauthorised march by a small crowd led by Chea Mony, Chea Vichea’s brother and union leader, Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha, co-presidents of the CNRP, CNRP lawmakers, Seng Theary and sympathisers, followed by a ceremony at Chea Vichea’s statue near Wat Lanka. As opposed to several demonstrations of the previous days which were dispersed by the authorities, this one went on peacefully.
Photographs of Chea Vichea’s funeral 10 years ago, as well as an extensive photo report accompanied by texts from Robert Carmichael about the Cambodian garment factory workers’ living conditions within the context of todays’ political situation can be found in the ebook ‘A Fine Thread’, available on your iPad for $US4,99 on the iTunes store at THIS LINK.
Yes, no, yes… and then finally no: the opposition CNRP meeting planned at a pagoda in Treuy Sla (Kandal) was canceled for security reasons and to avoid any confrontation with some hundred CPP sympathisers, all young camera-shy men coming mostly from outside the commune, and as much riot police occupying the ground, not to mention the large numbers of riot police stationed in the vicinity. Journalists were not really welcome inside the pagoda grounds either and were requested to leave after they did the essential: see a CPP demonstration firsthand.
Posted Tuesday Jan 21, 2014, in
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Treuy Sla (Kandal) seemed to be under siege: riot police all over the place, in schools, in pagodas, at the police station. I spent three hours and 120Km looking for an opposition CNRP meeting with Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha, before learning the meeting was canceled because of a heavy police presence.
Meanwhile 11 people were arrested in front of the US embassy while protesting for the release of 23 people jailed on January 2nd and 3rd during the violent crackdown by the army on the striking workers.
I chose the wrong horse today…
UPDATE at 12:24… The CNRP meeting might still take place at 2:00pm…
Posted Tuesday Jan 21, 2014, in
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A small group of peacefull activists from various human rights organisations and from IDEA, whose leader Voann Pov was severely beaten by Unit 911 on January 2nd and ended up in prison in Kompong Cham, tried to gather in front of Wat Unalom and then in front of the Royal Palace to demonstrate for the release of 23 people arrested during the violent crackdown of striking workers, and was pushed back to unprecise locations by helmeted municipal thugs (is there an official name for these helmeted men?). At the end of the push and shove session, Sok Chun Oeun, Vice President of IDEA, was arrested. They are now 24 in prison.
Correction: 23 in prison and 1 at the Phnom Penh Police station.
Update from 20/01/2014: Sok Chhun Oeung (corrected spelling) was freed this morning at 10:00AM
Rithy Panh’s masterfull movie ‘The Missing Picture'(or how poetry can describe horror), was nominated for an Oscar in the best foreign-language film category.
I was privileged enough to be allowed to follow Rithy Panh on a few of his movie sets.
Posted Saturday Jan 18, 2014, in
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Who else but the Boeung Kak lake community would dare to defy the demonstration ban set by the cambodian government after the many weeks of CNRP protests, the worker’s strike and its violent crackdown by the army? The ladies toured several embassies (the U.S., Japanese, Australian and German ones) to deliver a petition requesting the release of 23 people jailed during the crackdown.
If they were left in peace was it because the authorities are mellowing? Or are they tired? Have they listened to U.N. Special Rapporteur Surya Subedi? Or maybe the authorities couldn’t care less because they already decided the 23 would be released soon?
Mr. Surya Subedi, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia since 2009, held a well attended press conference after separate meetings with Prime Minister Hun sen and opposition CNRP co-Presidents Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy.
Quotes:
‘With regard to use of force against civilian demonstrations, resulting in at least four confirmed deaths by gunfire and injuries, I call upon the Government to establish the whereabouts of the individuals missing since these events. I reiterate my call for the Government to ensure a thorough, credible and independent investigation.’
‘… the individuals who fired their weapons must be brought to justice.’
‘In my meeting with the leaders of the CNRP, I also highlighted that tolerance and racial harmony were crucial for the future of democracy in the country. I am alarmed by the anti-Vietnamses language allegedly used in public by the opposition.’
‘Cambodia stands at a crucial crossroads. I sense the optimism and desire for change in the country…’
‘Change is inevitable to meet the aspirations of the people in a dynamic wold.’
Posted Thursday Jan 16, 2014, in
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The ceremony organised yesterday by the Boeung Kak lake community to honour 4 garment workers who were killed during the violent crackdown by the army on January 3rd of a garment worker’s strike (see HERE), wrapped up this morning with over 200 monks, many from the Independent Monks Network, praying and receiving alms from the community.
