Dozens of workers, union and civil society representatives, and relatives gathered in front of Chea Vichea’s statue on Monday to commemorate the union leader’s passing 20 years ago near the Langka Pagoda in 2004. The event, which took place not far from where Vichea was assassinated, saw Buddhist monks conduct a prayer.
As it ended, the workers, union members, and relatives, called on the authorities to track down those behind the brazen murder to restore justice in society and build a stupa to symbolize the end of the culture of impunity.
President of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions Yang Sophorn said there is still no justice and no “murderers” convicted despite Vichea’s brutal shooting. Yet, the government regularly claims that Cambodia is a peaceful country.
“We still remember him [even after] 20 years. Where is justice? How is it [that Cambodia is] a peaceful country when shootings and killings [happen]. This is very regrettable,” said Sophorn, demanding that the new government attain justice for Vichea’s family.
Workers’ rights too continue to be oppressed by factory owners, she added. “Workers are still oppressed by the rich and powerful, so where is justice for us?”
In addition to celebrating Vichea’s death anniversary, the 55 union and civil society organizations petitioned for the construction of a stupa to remind people to stop the culture of impunity in Cambodia.
Workers believe that the stupa would push the government and politicians to think about social justice and promote the rule of law in Cambodia based on the principles of democracy and human rights law.
Khun Tharo, Central’s program manager, said the culture of impunity is an obstacle to the rule of law process. “What the government should do is address this impunity. We hope that the new government would permit the construction of a stupa as a [sign] of real respect for human rights in Cambodia.”
He said the stupa would belong to every Cambodian who loves democracy and champions human rights.
“We don’t know how the prime minister will respond to this. It’s whether the government is willing to provide the location or not,” Tharo said. “This stupa is for all, not just any group or one party.”
Cabinet officer Kong Chamroeun said he received the petition at 11am and forwarded it to another cabinet officer, adding that he does not know what the outcome would be as he is “not the one who decides”.
Meanwhile, Vichea’s young brother, Chea Mony, supported the initiative to build a stupa because it is a reminder of the heroism of people who had lost their lives. The stupa would not be about his brother only, but to encourage the government to take part in the elimination of impunity.
“The construction of the stupa is a symbol for Cambodian people that their heroism was never forgotten,” Mony said.
National police spokesperson Chhay Kim Khoeun declined to comment on the telephone, advising the reporter to send questions via his Telegram. However, he did not respond even after that.
According to a statement by the Free Trade Union, Vichea was shot dead in the middle of the afternoon on January 22, 2004, in front of a newsstand outside Langka pagoda. For over a decade, the real killer has remained elusive to justice.
Two people, Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun, were initially sentenced to five years in prison, but a judge quashed their convictions for lack of evidence.
Although Vichea died 20 years ago, Mony is still shocked by his death, alleging that “the killing was planned as some witnesses were still alive”. He urged the government to find the killer “who is free outside.”
“The killers and those behind the shooting death of Chea Vichea have yet to be identified or arrested. There is no real willingness, a reflection that the justice system in Cambodia is very weak.”
Justice ministry spokesperson Chin Malin failed to answer the phone or respond via Telegram on the progress of investigation.
Five months after the assassination of Vichea, Ros Sovannareth, another member of the Free Trade Union Committee, was also gunned down. In 2007, then union leader Hy Vuthy, was shot dead.
Government spokesperson Pen Bona declined a phone interview, requesting that questions be sent via Telegram, which were not replied to.
