PHNOM PENH (AFP) - Cambodia suspended new land grants on Monday after the murder of a prominent activist shone the spotlight on increasing violence surrounding territorial disputes.
Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a statement that the government would 'temporarily suspend granting economic land concessions' to 'ensure equity and to strengthen the effectiveness' of leased land management.
The authorities have faced mounting criticism in recent years from rights groups and the United Nations over forced evictions around the country that have sparked protests and displaced tens of thousands of mostly poor people.
The death of well-known environmental activist Chhut Vuthy, who was gunned down by a military police officer on April 26 while gathering evidence of illegal logging in a remote forest, has added to the controversy.
Cambodia suspends controversial land concessions
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