Poipet workers are called to demonstrate

15 May 2008
Pen Bona
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr

The Cambodian organization “Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDIEA)” called on Poipet residents to hold a demonstration on Friday 16 May, to protest against inflation and corruption. According to a communiqué distributed by IDIEA on Thursday 15 May, 500 people (motodops, merchants, taxi drivers…) are expected to join the demonstration.

“Besides the increase of the cost of living, workers and small merchants of this border zone must pay custom officers, police officers to cross the border,” Vun Pov, IDIEA president, denounced. “This swindling brings heavy burden of these poor people’s living conditions.”

On Wednesday 14 May, an IDIEA representative in Poipet was arrested by the authorities while he was distributing leaflets calling the residents to join the demonstration on Friday. He was released 3 hours later, following long negotiations. “He was accused of not informing the authorities and he was asked not to distribute leaflets anymore,” Vun Pov said. “In spite of the threats issued by the authorities, the demonstration will be held,” he added. He explained also that the authorities were informed about the demonstration, but they refused to give the OK. According to IDIEA’s president, the demonstrators are ready to confront to the police forces if necessary.

Economic Activist Arrested for Planning Protest

By Chiep Mony, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh
14 May 2008

"Khmer citizens shall have freedom of expression, press, publication and assembly..." - Article 41, Cambodian Constitution

An activist for the Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association was arrested in Banteay Meanchey province Wednesday as he distributed leaflets for a May 16 protest against the rising cost of goods.

Morng Puthy, head of IDEA’s Banthey Meanchey office, was arrested and held by the province’s Or Chrov district police, said IDEA President Von Pov.

"The arrest means that Cambodian authorities are pressuring the freedom of opinion and expression of the people,” Von Pov said. “This contradicts the prime minister, who always says that Cambodia has clung to democracy and respect of human rights."

Banteay Meanchey Police Chief Hun Hean said leaflet distribution advocating protest without permission was illegal.

The demonstration “might cause turmoil in our society,” he said, adding that Morng Puthy had not yet been released.