Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association

Human Rights

Residents of Srayong Tboung village clashed with gendarmes, police and forestry administration officials on Wednesday. (Supplied)

Preah Vihear Provincial Authorities Arrest Villagers and Fire Weapons in Clash Over Land Dispute

On Wednesday authorities, including gendarmes, police and forestry administration officials, fired weapons and arrested residents during a clash over long-disputed land in Srayong commune, Kulen district, Preah Vihear province. Authorities with tractors arrived in the morning to clear land and detained around 40 people during the confrontation, according to villagers. Those arrested remain in custody at the provincial police station where they were brought for questioning.
Villagers gather to demonstrate in front of police barricades where authorities blocked a road leading to their farmland, which is being cleared to prepare the site for a planned airport in Kandal Stung district, Picture taken on September 12, 2021. CamboJA/ Panha Chhorpoan

Kandal villagers report feeling pressured into accepting land compensation

A number of families affected by the new airport project in Kandal Stung district are still refusing to accept the state’s proposed compensation for their land, instead hoping that the upcoming commune elections will bring them a better solution. Others have decided to take the compensation, causing concerns that an ongoing court case against nine villagers is putting pressure on the community.