Youth Activists at Risk: Pen Puthsphea from Cambodia

Source: World Youth Movement for Democracy

Pen Puthsphea

Pen Puthsphea: Cambodia

Status:
Due to threats, has fled the country for personal safety.

Activism:
Reporter for the major opposition political party Sam Rainsy Party’s Candle Light Program. His books were banned and confiscated by the minister of Education. He wrote of government corruption and human rights violations in his publications.

Current Situation in Country:
According to the SRP, the government had been monitoring and surveying Pen Puthsphea’s actions in order to intimidate and suppress freedom of speech as it had been used by the opposition party. Vendors of his books had reportedly faced threats if they continued to sell his work. In 2007, a college Professor of Political Science, Mr. Tieng Narith, was imprisoned for two years after publishing a book which was critical of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

More Information:
http://wymdonline.org/Pen%20Puthsphea.html
http://ki-media.blogspot.com/2010/08/govt-critics-receives-death-threat.html
http://khmerization.blogspot.com/2010/08/author-and-government-critic-went-into.html

Suggestions for Action:
Write letters to the Cambodian government demanding that restrictions on publications not prevent freedom of speech and expression, as it is a recognized international human right.

Organize demonstrations at local embassies calling for improved human rights practices in Cambodia.