Seven arrested over protest seeking unionist’s release

At least seven people were arrested in Phnom Penh over protests to demand the release of prominent union leader Rong Chhun who was charged over statements about the Cambodia-Vietnam border demarcation. However, only three of them were charged with “incitement” and sent to pretrial detention at Prey Sar prison.

The arrests were made after the Justice Ministry last week warned it would act against activists who defy a ban on holding protests to demand the release of Chhun.

Sam Sokong, one of Chhun’s defence lawyers, said yesterday a total of seven people had been arrested since last week related to protests to call for Chhun releases. He said he would defend the three who were charged. Sokong said the three were charged with “incitement to commit a felony or to disturb social security” under Article 495 of the Criminal Code. If found guilty, they face up to two years in jail and fines of up to $1,000.

read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50753208/seven-arrested-over-protest-seeking-unionists-release/