The SRP moves its main headquarter to Chak Angre

SRP members take a souvenir photo in front of the new party headquarter (Photo: The Phnom Penh Post)

12 July 2011
By Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post Khmer
Translated from Khmer by Soch

Phnom Penh - The SRP moved its main headquarter on Monday from its previous location on Sothearos Street, Tonle Bassac commune, Chamcar Mon district, to its new location in Chan Angre commune, Meanchey district, along National Road No. 2.

On Monday, SRP MP Ho Vann, who directed the move, said that the reason the SRP selected 11 July for its move because it is a victory day for the SRP as prescribed by fortune tellers.

Ho Vann said that the SRP did not organize anything major for this move, only some offerings for the guardians of the land. In two weeks, the SRP will organize a major event with the participation of about 1,000 party members.

Ho Vann said: “We are proud, we are hopeful and we have stability because we have our own headquarter.” He added that the old headquarter belongs to Kom Korm, the party vice-president who rented it to the party at a modest cost.”

Uninterrupted screening of "Who Killed Chea Vichea?" for the first time in Phnom Penh

(Photo: Bradley Cox)

May 01, 2011
By Mu Sochua

The Khmer version of Who Killed Chea Vichea? was screened for the first time in Cambodia on Labor Day, May 1, 2011.

It was the first time ever this documentary film was shown in full, without disruption, without threat from the government. It was shown at the headquarters of the Sam Rainsy Party. Chea Vichea was a founder of the party and led many strikes with Mr. Sam Rainsy, the president of the party.

Workers came on their own, students rode their bikes and cut classes, moto taxi drivers and party supporters joined the audience. It was widely attended by local and international media in Cambodia.

The Cambodian version is very powerful as there are moments and situations that are best understood in Cambodian language.

There were tears, shock and anger.

Tears as we miss Chea Vichea.

Shock as he was lying in a pool of blood.

Anger as we know the truth but no action has been taken.

The power of the film will make it impossible for the public to see it in a public space, unless there is a change of leadership in Cambodia.

The truth must be told. We will continue to tell it through this very powerful film. We urge you all to take the film to each and every group you know. For justice.

Mu Sochua, MP

Controversial film to be screened at SRP HQ

THURSDAY, 28 APRIL 2011
MEAS SOKCHEA
The Phnom Penh Post

Opposition Sam Rainsy Party officials have appealed to garment workers nationwide to attend a planned screening of a controversial documentary about the murder of labour leader Chea Vichea on Labour Day, May 1, at their party headquarters in Phnom Penh.

In a letter obtained by The Post yesterday to be sent to unions, workers and NGOs, SRP officials said that party president Sam Rainsy, who is currently in self-imposed exile in France, will talk with garment workers via video conference at the screening of Who Killed Chea Vichea?.

The 2009 documentary by American director Bradley Cox investigates the 2004 murder of Chea Vichea, former head of the Free Trade Union, examining the charges against two men initially accused of the crime and suggesting that government officials may have helped to plan the murder.

Chea Mony, president of the Free Trade Union and brother of Chea Vichea, said yesterday that thousands of workers had been prevented from watching the film because of government inference.

“We could not find any spot to screen the film,” Chea Mony said, adding that he predicted nearly 10,000 people at the screening. “The Interior Ministry spokesman [Khieu Sopheak] has said to watch the film at home.”

Sam Rainsy Party to move offices

Thursday, 21 August 2008
Written by Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post

THE Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) is seeking a new location for its headquarters because the owner of the current Sothearos Boulevard site, who is also a senior SRP official, wants to reclaim his land.

SRP Deputy President Kong Korm told the Post that the move has nothing to do with internal party politics, but is happening because he wants to rent or sell the 5,000-square-meter property. "This is my house. I now need to look for some kind of income," Korm added.

The site has been used as SRP's headquarters for more than 10 years with the party only paying for electricity and water, Kong Korm said. "The move is likely to begin after National Assembly and government have been convened."

"I already told President Sam Rainsy about it when he came back from France in May. He is prepared to move," Kong Korm said.

The SRP is currently seeking a new location for its head offices in Phnom Penh's southern suburbs, Kong Korm said.

Sam Rainsy could not be reached for comment about the move.