Economic Activist Arrested for Planning Protest
By Chiep Mony, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh
14 May 2008
An activist for the Independent Democracy of Informal Economy
Association was arrested in Banteay Meanchey province Wednesday as he
distributed leaflets for a May 16 protest against the rising cost of
goods.
Morng Puthy, head of IDEA=92s Banthey Meanchey office, was arrested and
held by the province=92s Or Chrov district police, said IDEA President
Von Pov.
"The arrest means that Cambodian authorities are pressuring the
freedom of opinion and expression of the people,=94 Von Pov said. =93This
contradicts the prime minister, who always says that Cambodia has
clung to democracy and respect of human rights."
Banteay Meanchey Police Chief Hun Hean said leaflet distribution
advocating protest without permission was illegal.
The demonstration =93might cause turmoil in our society,=94 he said,
adding that Morng Puthy had not yet been released.
