Wednesday, June 27, 2012
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| Thirteen Boeung Kak villagers leave the Appeal Court after a ruling this morning. Photograph: Heng Chivoan/Phnom Penh Post |
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Shane Worrell and Khouth Sophak Chakrya
The Phnom Penh Post
The 13 Boeung Kak women imprisoned
after a three-hour trial last month will be released today, the Court of
Appeal announced after a hearing this morning.
A panel of three judges upheld
the two charges against the women, declaring they were still guilty of
occupying state land and obstructing public officials in aggravating
circumstances, but reduced their sentences from two and a half years to
one month and three days – the length of time they have already served
in Prey Sar prison.
Scenes of jubilation followed as
supporters of the 13 women danced and sang in the streets; however, police clashed
with supporters outside the court during the trial and it is alleged
that a pregnant woman was kicked
in the stomach, causing her to faint.
She was taken to the National
Maternal and Child Health Centre and has lost her unborn baby, Khek Chan
Raksmei, a friend of the woman, said.
Three children were also said to
be injured, while three defence witnesses were reportedly denied entry
to the court.
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