[Cambodia] SL protester, 15, released after months

A juvenile suspect held on charges of violence and criminal damage for his part in the SL Garment workers strike last November has been released on bail.

The 15-year-old suspect was released under court supervision yesterday, after an appeal was launched against his pre-trial detention.

A lawyer for the prosecution, who wished to remain anonymous, said the youth suffered from mental illness.

“He has a mental problem, and he is a juvenile,†she said. “We wait to discuss with the attorney whether we should keep filing against him or not.â€

Vanny Vannak, 19, who was charged along with Ton, remains in detention.

Thirty-eight people, only one of whom was an SL Garment worker, were arrested after violence broke out at a strike in Phnom Penh’s Stung Meanchey district on November 12.

A woman, Eng Sokhom, was killed and at least six others shot when police fired live ammunition into a crowd of hundreds of rioting garment workers.