More than a dozen youth, environmental activists, and families were blocked by Daun Penh district security guards in Phnom Penh on December 10 as they tried to hold a peaceful vigil marking International Human Rights Day and calling for the release of jailed activists.
The group gathered early near Phnom Penh’s night market, holding banners as they prepared to march to Preah Ang Dorngkeu Shrine near the Royal Palace to pray for the release of jailed activists. Among them, were the families of Mother Nature environmentalists sentenced to 6-8 years in July for plotting against the government.
District security guards stopped the procession just before it began, forcing the group to decide to hold their vigil near the night market instead, with the guards standing nearby.
Oeung Aun, a youth at the demonstration, said the gathering aimed not only to offer prayers but to urge the government, on International Human Rights Day, to release imprisoned environmentalists, political activists, and other human rights defenders.
“Some authorities wore civilian clothes and others wore uniforms. They used inappropriate words and also took banners from some of us,” he said, describing how security guards forbade the group from continuing to the shrine but did not give a reason why.
Another vigil keeper also described authorities using inappropriate language and pushing the group.
A video showing scenes of the commotion was posted on Facebook by one of the demonstrators.
Aun also criticized the authorities for restricting the demonstrators’ inalienable rights.
“Cambodia is a democratic country. Therefore, I request that the authorities allow citizens and young people to express their opinions and assemble, all of which are enshrined in the law,” he said.
Family members of the imprisoned Mother Nature activists, whose jailings have been condemned by many international human rights organizations, also joined the stifled vigil before heading to Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park for a Human Rights Day celebration attended by senior foreign diplomats.
Long Sreylin, sister of imprisoned Mother Nature activist Long Kunthea, urged national and international groups to remember the sacrifices of jailed activists in Cambodia.
“Please respect their rights and release them without restrictions,” Sreylin said, also highlighting Kunthea’s recent health issues in prison, from which she has since recovered.
Pat Reaksmey, pregnant wife of another jailed Mother Nature activist, Thon Ratha, called for her husband’s release and advocated for his innocence at the event in Freedom Park, free from the interference she faced during the vigil.
Long criticized by nations and international groups for targeting dissidents, environmentalists, and rights defenders, Cambodia jailed at least 24 activists, opposition leaders, and union members in the first half of 2024, according to local rights group Licadho.
A notable mass incarceration occurred in late July, when at least 94 people, including minors, were arrested on charges of attempting to topple the government after organizing protests against a development deal with Vietnam and Laos. The government has since pulled out of the pact, but there’s no sign those still in custody will avoid further persecution.
Chea Khema, governor of Daun Penh district, who oversees the security force, declined to comment on the crackdown against demonstrators.
Additional reporting by Tang Porgech
