Swede, German among activists arrested in Cambodia

[geovalin]

PHNOM PENH (AFP) - Cambodian police arrested eight rights activists, including two foreigners, on Monday (May 9) as they stamped down on protests sparked by the detention of their colleagues in a case linked to a shadowy political sex scandal.

Eight people, including the deputy director of prominent local rights organisation Licadho and two foreigners - a Swede and a German who also work for the group - were detained as they tried to rally outside a prison in Phnom Penh, Am Sam Ath of Licadho, told AFP.

"I don't know yet what charges they are facing," he said, adding that the foreigners had been sent to immigration police. The government is scared by its own shadow," he added.

Rights workers and activists dressed in black uniforms were calling on authorities to free five colleagues charged last week in connection with a sex scandal that has engulfed Cambodia's political opposition.

Opposition lawmaker Kem Sokha, the deputy leader of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, has been accused of having an affair with a 25-year-old hairdresser.

Full story: http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/swede-german-among-activists-arrested-in-cambodia

[geovalin]

Eight arrested, released over ‘Black Monday’ protest

Tue, 10 May 2016

Ananth Baliga, Lay Samean and Meas Sokchea

Four NGO staffers and a quartet of land activists emerged from police stations across the capital yesterday after being grilled for hours over their participation in the so-called “Black Monday” campaign, conducted in support of rights activists jailed last week over the ongoing Kem Sokha investigation.

Sahmakum Teang Tnaut executive director Ee Sarom and Licadho deputy director Thav Kimsan were the first taken into custody yesterday morning, after being greeted by a heavy contingent of police as they attempted to reach Prey Sar prison, where they had hoped to demonstrate. Borei Keila land activist Sar Sorn soon joined the duo at the Dangkor district police office.

Speaking to the Post following his release, Sarom said he was questioned about yesterday’s event and other details about the campaign, and was released only after signing an agreement to not participate in any future “illegal activities”.

read more http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/eight-arrested-released-over-black-monday-protest?