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Khmer Times/Taing Vida | Tuesday, 10 May 2016
Speaking on Koh Pich during a ceremony yesterday, Mr. Hun Sen first warned that legal action would be taken against members of so-called color campaigns who are not authorized by law and that affect social stability.
Forty protesters gathered in front of Prey Sar prison on Monday to participate in Black Monday, a campaign organized by members of non-government organizations to push for the freedom of four Adhoc officials and one National Election Committee member who have been detained and charged for what civil society believes are politically motivated reasons.
Monks as well as members of communities affected by land disputes also participated in the campaign, which ended with eight arrests, including NGO Sahakum Teang Tnaut executive director Ee Sarom and Thav Kemsan, the deputy director of rights group Licadho.
All members of the protest were asked to wear black and some had “The whole world is watching” printed on their T-shirts.
Yesterday Mr. Hun Sen reminded the crowd on Koh Pich of the limitations of individual freedoms of expression. He said the government will always take action to maintain peace and prevent anarchy.
“Those who initiated [the Black Monday campaign] must be careful… the one who gave the money for the shirt printing is known already. I would like to specify that any color, any place, orange, red or black.
“As long as the act was not authorized, action will be taken. The court was set up to enforce the law, the forces were set up to protect the country, and the prisons were set up to jail inmates. Do not wonder about this,” the prime minister said.
The premier also took time to warn the already-imprisoned officials.
“If you are gentle, I would think about [pardoning the officials]. But if you are insolent, I would act as follows. Under court rules I could not interfere, but once the court issued the verdict, the prime minister is authorized to request the Royal King pardon or reduce the sentence of any inmate.
“But if [protesters outside] keep protesting, it will make more trouble for those detainees,” Mr. Hun Sen said.
Mr. Sarom, who along with the other detained Black Monday protesters was released after a short stay in police custody, chose to read the premier’s speech positively.
“The speech was a positive signal for us. If it is really so, I think we will not continue the campaign. As of [Tuesday], we are not sure if we will continue the Black Monday campaign,” Mr. Sarom said.
Pheav Mey, the wife of the detained Nai Vanda, told Khmer Times her family and the families of the other four accused human rights officials were happy to hear about the possibility of release.
“All the five families feel the same way, hoping the release could be very soon. The families are torn apart. It has been very difficult for us,” Ms. May said.
Clik here to view.
Khmer Times/Taing Vida | Tuesday, 10 May 2016
Speaking on Koh Pich during a ceremony yesterday, Mr. Hun Sen first warned that legal action would be taken against members of so-called color campaigns who are not authorized by law and that affect social stability.
Forty protesters gathered in front of Prey Sar prison on Monday to participate in Black Monday, a campaign organized by members of non-government organizations to push for the freedom of four Adhoc officials and one National Election Committee member who have been detained and charged for what civil society believes are politically motivated reasons.
Monks as well as members of communities affected by land disputes also participated in the campaign, which ended with eight arrests, including NGO Sahakum Teang Tnaut executive director Ee Sarom and Thav Kemsan, the deputy director of rights group Licadho.
All members of the protest were asked to wear black and some had “The whole world is watching” printed on their T-shirts.
Yesterday Mr. Hun Sen reminded the crowd on Koh Pich of the limitations of individual freedoms of expression. He said the government will always take action to maintain peace and prevent anarchy.
“Those who initiated [the Black Monday campaign] must be careful… the one who gave the money for the shirt printing is known already. I would like to specify that any color, any place, orange, red or black.
“As long as the act was not authorized, action will be taken. The court was set up to enforce the law, the forces were set up to protect the country, and the prisons were set up to jail inmates. Do not wonder about this,” the prime minister said.
The premier also took time to warn the already-imprisoned officials.
“If you are gentle, I would think about [pardoning the officials]. But if you are insolent, I would act as follows. Under court rules I could not interfere, but once the court issued the verdict, the prime minister is authorized to request the Royal King pardon or reduce the sentence of any inmate.
“But if [protesters outside] keep protesting, it will make more trouble for those detainees,” Mr. Hun Sen said.
Mr. Sarom, who along with the other detained Black Monday protesters was released after a short stay in police custody, chose to read the premier’s speech positively.
“The speech was a positive signal for us. If it is really so, I think we will not continue the campaign. As of [Tuesday], we are not sure if we will continue the Black Monday campaign,” Mr. Sarom said.
Pheav Mey, the wife of the detained Nai Vanda, told Khmer Times her family and the families of the other four accused human rights officials were happy to hear about the possibility of release.
“All the five families feel the same way, hoping the release could be very soon. The families are torn apart. It has been very difficult for us,” Ms. May said.
