Opposition official charged over 2015 protest

An opposition deputy commune chief was detained and charged by the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court yesterday for his involvement in a protest at the Poipet border crossing in 2015. Ke Samphors, a provincial CNRP vice-president, said the court decided to detain Chao Veasna at 12:40pm after a summons was issued by investigating judge Ek Poliphil.
 

The court charged Mr. Veasna with incitement, conspiring for intentional damage with aggravating circumstances and destruction of public property. It was the third time Mr. Veasna, a CNRP official from the Sam Rainsy Party and deputy chief of Poipet commune, had been summoned over the protest.
 

“Mr. Veasna was not involved in the protest with the handcart pullers. He just went to monitor the situation as a commune official only,” Mr. Samphors said. He said the decision to detain him was politically motivated because Mr. Veasna was popular and standing as a candidate in upcoming commune elections, adding that there was no evidence to arrest him.

read more http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/35570/opposition-official-charged-over-2015-protest/

 

-- © Copyright Khmer Times 17/02