T&P workers questioned over death

via CAAI

Monday, 07 March 2011 21:07 Thet Sambath

Phnom Penh military police today questioned eight women who are living at the offices of T&P Co Ltd, a company training domestic workers for overseas employment, about the death of a 35-year-old trainee inside the company’s office on Sunday.

The eight women were interviewed after asking military police and court officials to help them leave the firm in Sen Sok district.

Authorities were investigating the death of Sing Sina inside the company’s building, as well as the case of Heng Hak, a 31-year-old who broke both legs while trying to escape the centre last week from a third-floor window.

“We took them [to military police headquarters] according to the court’s order and we are questioning them about the injured and deceased women,” said Pen Bunthoeun, a military police officer who is leading the investigation.

Pen Bunthoeun said the military police would help the eight women leave T&P permanently, but couldn’t specify when they would be allowed to leave the company’s offices.

A military police officer, who declined to be named, said “we are waiting for our commander’s order about [the women’s] request” to leave the centre.

Relevant authorities could not confirm any details from their investigations.

Huy Pichsovann, programme officer for the Community Legal Education Centre, said authorities should allow “anyone who wishes to leave a company to return to their houses and meet their family members”.

“They should investigate other companies that violate people’s rights and should punish them and make them follow the law,” he said.

Representatives from T&P could not be reached for comment today.

Shortly after her death, Sing Sina was transported to Kampong Cham province for funeral arrangements.

Heng Hak remains in hospital, where she is receiving medical treatment.

The unnamed military officer said the eight workers wanted to return home “because they are homesick”.