Seng Theary, Center for Social Development Director, is dubbed "Tuol Sleng Theary" for her activism in the Dream for Darfur event organization in Phnom Penh19.01.08
DPA
US actress Mia Farrow appeared on a collision course with Cambodian authorities Saturday after her supporters vowed she would proceed with an anti-China rally at a former Khmer Rouge jail Sunday despite Cambodian government objections. The 62-year-old's supporters posted fliers advertising the Dream For Darfur event Friday night.
Her local partner Theary Seng, director of the German-funded Centre for Social Development, told local media they would proceed with the symbolic torch burning at Toul Sleng Genocide Museum in the capital despite a government ban.
Phnom Penh police chief Touch Naroth warned the rally would not be tolerated.
" Cambodia is a sovereign nation. We have laws, and if they are not respected we will use them," he said.
Farrow, previously better known for her acting, haircuts and husbands, has become a respected humanitarian through her Dream For Darfur campaign, which aims to highlight China's economic support of Sudan in the lead-up to the August Olympics in Beijing.
China is one of Cambodia's strongest allies.
The government and the museum's director have also voiced concerns that the ceremony fails to respect Buddhist beliefs.
Farrow's supporters reject the claims.
Up to 16,000 people were tortured or killed at Toul Sleng during the Khmer Rouge's 1975-79 regime. Buddhism is the state religion.
The Cambodia Daily, the local English-language newspaper, Saturday quoted government spokesman Khieu Kanharith as saying those who participated in Sunday's protest would be subject to arrest and deportation.
Seng, an American-Cambodian, was quoted as saying she was undaunted and put freedom of expression first.
On Thursday, Kanharith accused the group of being "foreigners" with little insight into Cambodian history who hoped to raise funds using the memory of Khmer Rouge victims as a vehicle.
Many Cambodians still blame the US for the rise of the Khmer Rouge after it backed Marshall Lon Nol's 1970's coup which toppled former King Norodom Sihanouk's government from power. The US later mounted a secret and devastating bombing campaign against Cambodia allegedly aimed at destroying travel routes for Viet Cong.
Some have jokingly dubbed Farrow's ally Seng 'Toul Sleng Theary' in reference to the moniker 'Hanoi Jane' earned by US actress Jane Fonda when she visited the capital of neighbouring Vietnam in 1972.
Up to 2 million Cambodians died during the Khmer Rouge regime. Millions more were displaced during and after the 30-year civil war.
Her local partner Theary Seng, director of the German-funded Centre for Social Development, told local media they would proceed with the symbolic torch burning at Toul Sleng Genocide Museum in the capital despite a government ban.
Phnom Penh police chief Touch Naroth warned the rally would not be tolerated.
" Cambodia is a sovereign nation. We have laws, and if they are not respected we will use them," he said.
Farrow, previously better known for her acting, haircuts and husbands, has become a respected humanitarian through her Dream For Darfur campaign, which aims to highlight China's economic support of Sudan in the lead-up to the August Olympics in Beijing.
China is one of Cambodia's strongest allies.
The government and the museum's director have also voiced concerns that the ceremony fails to respect Buddhist beliefs.
Farrow's supporters reject the claims.
Up to 16,000 people were tortured or killed at Toul Sleng during the Khmer Rouge's 1975-79 regime. Buddhism is the state religion.
The Cambodia Daily, the local English-language newspaper, Saturday quoted government spokesman Khieu Kanharith as saying those who participated in Sunday's protest would be subject to arrest and deportation.
Seng, an American-Cambodian, was quoted as saying she was undaunted and put freedom of expression first.
On Thursday, Kanharith accused the group of being "foreigners" with little insight into Cambodian history who hoped to raise funds using the memory of Khmer Rouge victims as a vehicle.
Many Cambodians still blame the US for the rise of the Khmer Rouge after it backed Marshall Lon Nol's 1970's coup which toppled former King Norodom Sihanouk's government from power. The US later mounted a secret and devastating bombing campaign against Cambodia allegedly aimed at destroying travel routes for Viet Cong.
Some have jokingly dubbed Farrow's ally Seng 'Toul Sleng Theary' in reference to the moniker 'Hanoi Jane' earned by US actress Jane Fonda when she visited the capital of neighbouring Vietnam in 1972.
Up to 2 million Cambodians died during the Khmer Rouge regime. Millions more were displaced during and after the 30-year civil war.
7 comments:
ha..ha..ha..cambodia is a sovereign nation ? what's the hell pourk Ah animal talking about?...
That's a cute little nickname Bronwyn's invented.
I think it was actually given off the record by a member of the CPP.
The monkey rulers of Cambodia really need to just shut up. If Cambodia is a true democratic country then Mia Farrow can express her freedom of speech.
Well, Cambodia is the country with true democracy but unfortunately only on the paper. In fact, Cambodia is under Vietnam controll.
Deos Mr. Hun Sen know about darfur? or can somebody, please tell him about it? The same with China, she needs to be told as well. Both had nothing to be feared of, only just to be understood. Arrest Ms. Farrow? Give the lady a break!!!!!!
Problem with this Hollywood actress is that she thinks just because she is famous and American, she can do whatever she wants. Typical hegemonic stupidity. This seems to be the same problem with Khmer living abroad having Western education. You all think you are better than anyone else. That's the problem. Your high education doesn't make you better than anyone, especially when your self-important head keeps failing to realize that you are probably no better than the man you like to criticize. It's about knowing that your shit stinks as much as that other guy. It's when people think their shit smells so good and could only the bad in others, not in self.
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