Kem Sokha, Cambodian Center for Human Rights President, is greeted by villagers along the March road. (Photo Uy Sophea/RFA)
Marchers are keeping their spirit high in spite of the scorching sun. (Photo CCHR)February 12, 2006; 10:45 a.m. – The marchers for Freedom of Expression and Non-violence in Cambodia continues its second day today to walk another 13 kilometers for the second overnight stop at Wat Pademakor in Pademakor village, Psadek commune, Ponhea Le distric, Kandal Province.
The march which started at around 8:30 morning yesterday from Wat Phnom of Phnom Penh braved the scorching heat of the sun as they completed the 18 kilometers walk without any untoward incident and took a rest at Chetha Udom (commonly called Wat Krous) in Kruos, Ponhea Leu, Kandal.
Around 100 marchers led by Mr. Kem Sokha, Mr. Pa Nguon Teang, Mr. Mam Sonando, Mr. Rong Chhun, Chea Mony, Ou Virak and monks were joined by many supporters who marched with them as they walked away from the city proper. Along the way, some supporters joined in the march and accompanied the delegation a few kilometers.
Aside from the heat of the sun, thirst, hunger, muscle pains and aching feet did not overcome the marchers’ spirit to trek the highway from Phnom Penh to Oudong district of Kandal province. “This is my way of supporting freedom of expression and non-violence in Cambodia,” a middle-aged marcher said as he occasionally dripped his drying lips with bottled water.
People along the highway welcomed the marchers as they passed by their place. Some supporters prepared bottled waters, boxes of noodles, and other food on the road and offered them to the marchers. “I cannot join you in the march but I strongly support your cause because I am a Cambodian, too.” said an ageing woman to the human rights activists as she offered bottled water to the marchers.
The marchers arrived at Wat Krous at around 5:00 in the afternoon. They spent the night sleeping at some of the pagoda buildings offered to them by the monks of Wat Krous. Some marchers managed to spend their nights in hammocks tied to trees in the pagoda compound.
At around 7:30 today, the marchers (human rights activists, monks, AFEC members, and supporters) continued their march. Residents along the highway curiously waited and welcomed the marchers. Some of the marchers who went ahead of the delegation distributed miniature yellow ribbons and explained to them the purpose of the march.
The marchers passed few pagodas, such as the Wat Tep Rangsey and Wat Sovanveary, where people waited to welcome them. Mr. Kem Sokha approached the well-wishers and thanked for their support as the rest of the marchers remained in their formation.
As they continued their march, a group of young children read aloud what were written on the banners: “May the spirit of tolerance be with us always!” The Cambodian people must choose dialogue over violence.” “The Cambodian leaders should be open to constructive criticism without intimidation.” “Criminal defamation must be abolished.”
Local authorities and police are deployed to secure the road for the marchers.
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