Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Teachers Rally Over Alleged Beating

By Chiep Mony, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
16 June 2008

Khmer audio aired 16 June (795 KB) - Download (MP3)
Khmer audio aired 16 June (795 KB) - Listen (MP3)

More than 100 teachers from five separate schools demonstrated in front of a Bantey Meanchey provincial administration office Monday, calling for the arrest of the perpetrators who beat a teacher last month.

Demonstrators say one student who had been chastised in class drove by his teacher, Muth Bunthoeun, 38, with an unidentified man on the back of a motorcycle, who allegedly hit the teacher in the head with a brick.

Provincial Police Chief Hun Heang said his officers were seeking two suspects in the assault, student Oeun Tikea and the unidentified assailant.

Muth Bunthoeun, who has no money to be treated in the hospital, is still recovering at home, but he participated in Monday's protest for five minutes before his injuries forced him to leave.

"Until now, the family of Oeun Tikea has not compensated me, so I have no money to continue treatment of my injuries," Muth Bunthoeun told VOA Khmer by phone.

The protest was a warning for other students not to commit such crimes, he said, adding that this was the first time he'd seen such violence.

Demonstrating teacher Ing Nara said she wanted the criminals arrested and compensation for Muth Bunthoeun paid so that he can return to work.

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