Cambodia appeals court frees 13 women land rights activists - The China Post

PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia's appeals court on Wednesday freed 13 women land rights activists whose jail sentences for fighting against a case of forced eviction sparked international concern.

The women were arrested last month when they tried to start rebuilding the homes of several families who were evicted to make way for a private development at a lakeside area in the capital Phnom Penh.
While the appeal court upheld the guilty verdicts, presiding Judge Seng Sivutha shortened their punishments to “one month and three days” because the women were housewives who had not meant to cause “chaos.”
“So, taking into account the period already spent in jail, everyone will be released,” he told the packed Phnom Penh courtroom, prompting cheers from the women's supporters.
In a half-day trial in May condemned as unjust by local and international rights groups, the women were ordered to spend between one and two-and-a-half years in jail for illegally occupying land and obstructing public officials.
Some of the women — one of whom is 72 years old — fell to their knees and wiped away tears after the judge read out the verdict in a high-profile case that even saw U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton call for their release.
“I'm happy even though the court still sentenced me to one month and three days,” mother-of-two Tep Vanny told reporters afterwards.
Activists say land conflicts are Cambodia's most pressing human rights issue. Protests have intensified this year and campaigners say the authorities are increasingly cracking down on dissent.
Earlier on Wednesday dozens of supporters were blocked from making their way to the courthouse, resulting in clashes with police, eyewitnesses said.
The pregnant sister of one of the defendants was injured and later miscarried in hospital, said Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights.
Cambodia appeals court frees 13 women land rights activists - The China Post