[Cambodia] Veng sreng’s voices

Four were killed and more than 20 injured when riot police opened fire on garment workers protesting near Canadia Industrial Park on Friday. Many were simply bystanders.

Kha Srey Oun, garment worker, 28, shot in right thigh
My minimum wage of $80 is not enough to pay for my expenses, but I did not participate in the protest since I was thinking about my baby [she is three months' pregnant]. I was shot in the right thigh while I was walking back home from Phsar Ekreach at about 9:30am. I was only 10 metres away from my house.

Prum Phearum, garment worker, 22, shot in rib and shin
When we were inside the factory and trying to rush out, the armed forces who were dressed in black locked us inside and said if we left the factory to join the protest, they would shoot us dead. They opened fire on us when we had gotten about 10 metres from the factory. We should not need to file a lawsuit, since the court should work independently and find the shooters and bring them to justice if they broke their commands.

Sam Em, garment worker, 22, shot in right shoulder
We protested peacefully by playing music, dancing and chanting for a minimum wage increase. Suddenly, the government forces armed with rifles, electric prods, shields and batons started to attack the empty-handed protesters like we were the criminals. After authorities intervened violently, I got furious and picked up a rock to throw at them, but I got shot and fell to the ground before I could even throw it.

Sun Sochen, garment worker, 24, beaten
I had no interest in joining the protest with the protesters, but the government armed forces beat me up with [rifle butts] and sticks, and some of them kicked me like an animal or a traitor. They did not distinguish between protesters, supporters and ordinary people.

Von Srey Oun, garment worker, 19, shot in right leg
While I was cooking rice at about 10am, a bullet shot at the protesters flew into my right leg while I was in my kitchen [in her rented room near the scene]. I could not endure the pain, so I fell unconscious. I was not even involved in the protest.