Capitol drivers Protesters Charged while Attackers Go Free

Five Capitol Tours bus drivers and Cambodian Labor Confederation president Ath Thorn face charges of causing violence after a protest on Saturday descended into bloodshed. Roughly 50 Capitol bus drivers had gathered for a protest near O’Russey Market on Saturday when they were set upon by a group of tuk-tuk drivers armed with hammers and sticks, according to videotapes of the clash. Several of the bus drivers were savagely beaten while police stood by and watched. One bloodied bus driver can be seen in a video released by Fresh News being struck repeatedly with a hammer by one of the assailants.

The bus drivers have been protesting since last month over the firings of 40 Capitol employees who attempted to unionize last year. Saturday’s protest turned violent when the protesters attempted to block a bus from leaving, after which the group of tuk-tuk drivers, wearing motorcycle helmets and heavy jackets, attacked. So far, none of the attackers have been prosecuted. Instead, the protesters are the ones facing legal penalties.

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