Khmer-Krom: Persecution of Monks Continues

2007-01-10
Below is a statement released by the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation;

In Soc Trang (Kleang) Province, Vietnamese authorities have summoned five Buddhist monks resident at Wat Kleang (Kleang Temple). The five Buddhist monks were studying at Bali school (Trung Cap Nam Bo), a school system designed to provide for Khmer-Krom Buddhist monks interested in studying Khmer philosophy, language and art.

The five of Buddhist monks assembled by the Province’s religious authority (Ban Ton Giao Tinh Soc Trang) were:

• Venerable Kim Moun (Kleang Temple)
• Venerable Kim Mai Linh
• Venerable Thach Do
• Venerable Thach Ram (Trolech Temple)
• Venerable Thach Ngoc PhatCaDi (Kampongdung Temple)

Reports suggest the monks were ordered to deliver fabricated reports on their crimes, and to provide detailed accusations against other Buddhist monks who have fled to Cambodia following the religious oppression orchestrated by Vietnamese authorities.

The Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation continues to work tirelessly for the rights of the Khmer-Krom People, including its Buddhist monks, and have lobbied the international community continuously over the past year. Their activities have included a Symposium in The Hague in cooperation with UNPO, extensive participation at the VIII UNPO General Assembly in Taiwan, and a series of meetings and statements at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Source: Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation