After spending 18 months in Prey Sar prison for a Facebook post criticizing a casino owner, union leader Morm Rithy was released on November 7, calling his conviction “unjust” and pledging to continue advocating workers’ rights despite threats and health problems.
Rithy, president of the Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation (CTSWF) and former vice president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC), told CamboJA News that the imprisonment was “extremely unfair for a social worker like him”, as protecting workers’ rights is not for personal gain but for the common good.
He said prison life was very difficult due to overcrowding, poor hygiene, and lack of clean water. He now suffers from health problems, including lung disease and a bad throat caused by constant exposure to cigarette smoke in the cell, requiring regular medication. He also developed stomach and intestinal issues, as well as skin problems.
“During the 18 months, I took no less than 500 pills. My health problems can be said to be very serious,” Rithy said. “The one-and-half-year I was detained was unjust and restricted my ability to help society, especially tourism sector workers.”
Rithy was first charged in absentia in May, and later arrested and sentenced to serve time at Prey Sar prison for incitement as well as discrediting a judicial decision, and fined two million riel ($500) following a complaint filed by the Chinese-owned Jin Bei Group.
It began with a live video of him on Facebook criticizing Jin Bei 2 casino over their accusations against a female worker who “helped” a casino guest win $18,000 and “not allowing” that person to return to the casino. She was charged in 2022.
Rithy also mentioned in the live stream that he had “lost faith in the court” as she had allegedly been convicted without evidence.
He appealed against his ruling twice but was dismissed by the Phnom Penh Court of Appeal.
Yi Soksan, senior investigator at ADHOC, told CamboJA News that civil society workers play a crucial role in “filling gaps left by the government” and that they should be encouraged to help people, especially those affected by labor rights and trade union issues.
Although authorities later found Jin Bei was operating illegally and the latter withdrew its complaint, the court continued with the case, according to him.
Soksan urged the court to drop such cases and recognize the contributions of civil society.
“We urge the courts and authorities to prevent this from happening again. Whenever a request or comment is made by a civil society organization, they should consider whether the allegations are true or not, instead of filing a lawsuit, covering up information, or violating human rights,” Soksan said.
The International Labor Organization’s Committee on the Application of Standards stated that persistent legal and practical obstacles to freedom of association in the country were “particularly regrettable”.
Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers’ Democratic Union deputy president Ath Thorn welcomed Rithy’s release, but noted that it was unfortunate it was upon the completion of the sentence.
“There are many irregularities in this case. During his time as a union leader, he was accused [of a crime] because of his work. The company withdrew the complaint, but in the end, Rithy was still sentenced. So I think it is unfair to him,” said Thorn.
Thorn urged the authorities not to use the judicial system to oppress union leaders who work to protect workers’ rights, which serve the common good.
“Unions are a part of society; they resolve injustice. In recent years, oppression of workers’ freedoms has been high, and when unions try to solve problems, they are instead imprisoned,” Thorn said.
Rithy’s wife, Kong Soda, was very happy with her husband’s return, particularly after having to shoulder the family’s burden alone. However, she regrets that his health had deteriorated after prison, requiring regular medication due to the smoky conditions in prison.
“I am happy that he has come back, and I will continue to support his work for workers’ justice,” Soda said.
Meanwhile, Rithy said he continues to experience threats and restricted freedom to do social work, but he remains committed to upholding labor rights in the tourism and service sectors.
“I have committed to doing social work for a long time. I will not run away abroad but will continue to work with the union to help workers [in Cambodia],” Rithy said.
