Wednesday, 28 May 2008

Hundreds Rise Up Over Land Disputes in 2 Provinces

By Chiep Mony, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
27 May 2008

Khmer audio aired May 26 (812KB) - Download (MP3)
Khmer audio aired May 26 (812KB) - Listen (MP3)

Representatives of nearly 900 families separately protested in Kampot and Battambang provinces Monday, claiming they suspected local officials of selling their land to private companies.

Nearly 100 protesters from Kampot district, Kampot, gathered in front of the Konsat commune office Monday afternoon, claiming their commune chief sold 72 hectares of land, rights officials and residents said.

The commune chief could not be reached for comment.

In Battambang’s Banan and Koas Krolor districts, protesters for nearly 250 families gathered in front of the provincial cabinet office, asking for help in a long-standing land dispute.

That dispute has not been solved at the commune or district levels, leaving protesters to look to their provincial leaders, a rights worker said.

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