Mother Nature Activists Released

The Koh Kong Provincial Court decided to suspend a year and a half sentence handed down to three activists from environmental NGO Mother Nature who have been in prison since last August – longer than the legal limit for pre-trial detention. The three men will have to jointly pay $25,000 to a Vietnamese-owned sand dredging company and $500 each to the state. Presiding Judge Min Makara convicted Try Sovikea, San Mala and Sim Samnang of instigation and threatening to cause destruction, defacement, or damage under article 424 and 28 of the Penal Code.

But with 10 months and 15 days already served, the men will be released tonight after the court suspended the last half of their sentence. Mr. Sovikea’s mother, Sam Samnang, said she was overjoyed that her son and the other activists would be released but concerned about the compensation.

“We do not have the money. I hope the court can re-consider it. Drop the compensation. We are too poor to afford it. We all still believe that they are not guilty,” she said. Judge Makara could not be reached for comment yesterday.

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