http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA23/012/2012/en
URGENT ACTION
Thirteen women human rights defenders from the Boeung Kak Lake community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, were released from prison on 27 June. Cambodia’s Appeal Court suspended the remainder of their two-and-a-half year prison sentences, but upheld their convictions. Police used violence against other members of the community waiting outside the court for the verdict, causing some injuries.
On 24 May, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced the 13 human rights defenders to two and a half years in prison after a grossly unfair trial. Their arrest followed a peaceful demonstration protesting the destruction of homes and the forced eviction of thousands of families living around Boeung Kak Lake. They were prisoners of conscience.
At the Appeal Court hearing on 27 June, no evidence was produced against the women, and three out of four defence witnesses were denied access to the court. The court decided to uphold the convictions, but suspend the remainder of the sentences for the women because of their responsibilities as mothers and grandmothers. They had already served one month and three days. Although their release is welcome, the 13 women - Chan Navy, Cheng Leap, Heng Mom, Kong Chantha, Nget Khun, Ngoun Kimlang, Bov Sopea, Phan Chhunreth, Soung Samai, Song Srey Leap, Tep Vanny, Tho Davy, and Tol Srey Pov – are now at risk of re-arrest for any future activities they may engage in to protect the housing rights of all the Boeung Kak Lake families. Two other protesters, Ly Chanary and Sao Sarouen, who were held in pre-trial detention from 24 May on related charges, were released on bail on 15 June. The charges against them are still pending.
Riot police blocked community residents who came to support the women from reaching the court. Local NGOs report that a police officer kicked a pregnant woman, resulting in the loss of her unborn child, and that 11 community members including seven children were beaten by police and needed medical treatment.
URGENT ACTION
Thirteen women human rights defenders from the Boeung Kak Lake community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, were released from prison on 27 June. Cambodia’s Appeal Court suspended the remainder of their two-and-a-half year prison sentences, but upheld their convictions. Police used violence against other members of the community waiting outside the court for the verdict, causing some injuries.
On 24 May, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced the 13 human rights defenders to two and a half years in prison after a grossly unfair trial. Their arrest followed a peaceful demonstration protesting the destruction of homes and the forced eviction of thousands of families living around Boeung Kak Lake. They were prisoners of conscience.
At the Appeal Court hearing on 27 June, no evidence was produced against the women, and three out of four defence witnesses were denied access to the court. The court decided to uphold the convictions, but suspend the remainder of the sentences for the women because of their responsibilities as mothers and grandmothers. They had already served one month and three days. Although their release is welcome, the 13 women - Chan Navy, Cheng Leap, Heng Mom, Kong Chantha, Nget Khun, Ngoun Kimlang, Bov Sopea, Phan Chhunreth, Soung Samai, Song Srey Leap, Tep Vanny, Tho Davy, and Tol Srey Pov – are now at risk of re-arrest for any future activities they may engage in to protect the housing rights of all the Boeung Kak Lake families. Two other protesters, Ly Chanary and Sao Sarouen, who were held in pre-trial detention from 24 May on related charges, were released on bail on 15 June. The charges against them are still pending.
Riot police blocked community residents who came to support the women from reaching the court. Local NGOs report that a police officer kicked a pregnant woman, resulting in the loss of her unborn child, and that 11 community members including seven children were beaten by police and needed medical treatment.
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