Local human rights forum ‘shut down’ in Preah Vihear

[geovalin]

Bun Sengkong

The organizers of a June 17 human rights training workshop in Preah Vihear say it was shut down by police, though local authorities yesterday insisted officers only went to ask that it be postponed for pragmatic concerns.

Adhoc provincial coordinator Lor Chhan said the authorities halted the Chheb district workshop to deprive residents of the legal knowledge to contest land disputes.

Chhan said yesterday that on June 24, one week after the session was brought to a premature end, he was given a letter dated June 15 and signed by Ung Vuthy, head of the provincial administration department. “It is the rainy season and people are busy growing crops, so we ask Mr Chhan to postpone the session so it does not affect people’s livelihoods,” the letter said.

read more http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/local-human-rights-forum-shut-down-preah-vihear