Two Beoung Kak activists have had their applications for bail denied by a Phnom Penh court.
Yin Savat, a lawyer with the Community for Legal Education Centre represented the activists, Mr. SoaSareoun and Madam Ly Channary. Mr. Savat told the court his clients’ whereabouts could be guaranteed by their families and both would reside at set addresses whilst on bail, “He (MrSoa)is old and has family to guarantee for him, this case is a misdemeanor so he should be bailed from prison,” he said.
But the judge refused the application.
VOD was unable to contact the appeal court officer who handled the case.
Mr. SoaSareoun’s wife, Mov Chantho said she didn’t understand why her husband had been arrested on accusations of abusing the company’s land. She said she hadmade sure that her land at Beoung Kak was recognized by the local authority, “It’s very unreasonable; we have done nothing wrong against the government. We just want to continue to own the land we have owned since 1993, which we have legal documents to prove”.
Licado investigations officer Chan Savet said that the arrest of the Beoung Kak residents was irregular, and the sentencing judge hadn’t completed his duties or acted professionally.
Mr. Savet urged the release of the residents, “The court should release them, not separate them from their families. There is not enough evidence to accuse them, the accusations are untrue, they were simply joining in support of 18 villagers whose rights were being abused by the company.”
The US Embassy’s spokesman in Cambodia has made a statement expressing concern over the imprisonment of 15 Beoung Kak residents in May, saying the sentences were rash and the accused had no defense lawyers present.
The Ministry of Justice has been sent an open letter again demanding the decision be reviewed.
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