Borei Keila residents threaten to occupy new buildings

2012-02-16

By Sochivi

Radio Free Asia

Translated from Khmer by Soy

Click here to read the original article in Khmer

On Thursday 16 February, more than 100 families of Borei Keila residents asked the Phanimex company and the government once again to provide them with a sensible resolution.

Left over Borei Keila Residents who currently live in Building 7 in Borei Keila bloc announced that they will occupy 2 new buildings belonging to the Phanimex company if the latter does not provide them with any sensible resolution. At the same time, the residents also asked for intervention for the release of 7 other residents who are currently being jailed in Prey Sar prison.

The residents’ announcement was made during a press conference held in front of Building 8 located in 07 Makara district. Borei Keila residents, the majority of whom are women and children, held photos of victims as well as banners demanding compensation for the development of Borei Keila, for the destruction of their homes. They also demanded investigation into the case, as well as the release of residents who are currently jailed.

The residents said that if within 7 days, there is no resolution to their cases, the 100 families will occupy two new buildings in Borei Keila.

The residents’ demand come at a time when two new buildings are completed north of Building No. 8.

The residents asked: Can Phanimex be bankrupted as they claimed or not? If they are bankrupt, how could they still build new apartment complex? Who are these new buildings for?

Today, families of the jailed residents also appealed for their release. 7 residents were arrested during a violent clash when the cops destroyed homes belonging to the residents.

While sobbing, Prak Sinath said that her husband was arrested without committing anything.

Families of the arrested residents claimed that Phanimex negotiated with them and it asked them to stop all protest, and that they accept to leave Borei Keila. In exchange, Phanimex will give $1,500 to each of the seven families and it also promised to release their loved ones from jail.

RFA could not reach Suy Sophan, the owner of Phanimex, to explain this claim.

Keo Sakal, the Veal Vong commune chief, was also present during the press conference in order to survey the activities of the residents. She said that she wants to see the residents and Phanimex to resolve this issue peacefully.

Borei Keila also issued an open letter thumbprinted by 6 residents, asking the government to immediately intervene in this case. They indicated that Phanimex failed to abide by its promise to build new apartment complex for the evicted residents and it also illegally destroyed their homes.