1700 days of incarceration for Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun

Cambodge Soir

23-09-2008

Sentenced for the murder of the trade union worker, Chea Vichea, both men have always claimed their innocence, supported in their struggle by numerous NGO’s.

This Tuesday 23 September represents a symbolic date for the human rights representatives in Cambodia. This day marks the 1700th day of detention for Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun, both sentenced for the murder of the trade union leader, Chea Vichea, who was shot on the street in Phnom Penh on the 22nd of January 2004.

In the morning, about one hundred human rights militants and close relatives of both men gathered in front of the prison on the outskirts of the capital in order to release 1700 white balloons, symbols of their proclaimed innocence.

“We want to ask the Supreme Court to speed up the investigation of this case and to request the intervention of the Government Leader and the King in order to obtain the release of the two prisoners”, explains Vann Sopath, deputy communications officer at Licadho.

In a press communiqué, the NGO highly criticises the Municipal Court of Phnom Penh which sentenced both men in August 2005 to 20 years criminal detention. A verdict confirmed after an appeal ruling in April 2007.

“This unfair sentence against Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun represents a step back for the legal reforms in Cambodia”, deplores Naly Pirloge, director of Licadho.