Monday, 7 January 2008

Kirivong District Authorities of Takeo Arrest Officials of Civil Society Organization

6 January 2008.
The Mirror, Vol. 12, No. 541

“Four civil society officials, who were seeking support from citizens with thumbprints for the adoption of an anti-corruption law, were arrested and sent by the authorities of Kirivong District, Takeo, to be questioned at the provincial security department.

“The arrest was conducted in Kirivong District, Takeo, while the four officials of the Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia [NICFEC] were seeking support from citizens for an anti-corruption law.

“Mr. Hang Puthea, the Executive Director of NICFEC, complained about the arrest, saying that it is an abuse, because he had gotten written permission from the Ministry of Interior and from the Takeo Governor for sending his staff members to perform such a mission.

“Mr. Hang Puthea said, ‘We know that this letter is valid for the mission; however, we don’t know why the provincial governor’s letter was not considered to be valid.

“The four agents of NECFEC who were arrested are Ms. Keo Kim Va, Mr. Chan Phanna, Mr. Chan Sovannara, and Mr. Im Vuthy. After the arrest in Kirivong, police sent the four of them to the provincial security office, but then released them only in the evening of the same day.

“Mr. Chrea Chreang, an investigating official of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights [LICADHO] in Takeo, said that the arrest caused fear to other staff members who are on mission in the province. Moreover, it is an abuse, because the police did not listen to the intervention by human rights officials who were there.

“Mr. Chrea Chreang said, ‘We talk about this issue [of an anti-corruption law], there is nothing wrong with this, they are NGO staff; they are not party activists.’

“Mr. Meas Sophon, Kirivong District Police Inspector, made up an excuse, saying that it was not an arrest – they were just brought to be questioned for trying to persuade citizens to give their thumbprints, and this activity was beyond the permission given by a letter from the provincial governor, which allowed only to ask for support.

“Mr. Meas Sophon said, ‘The governor allowed to promote support, why did they ask for thumbprints?’

“Ms. Keo Kim Va was hesitant to give an interview to journalists after having been held; it seemed that there was hidden fear.”

Sralanh Khmer, Vol.3, #592, 5.1.2008

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