Boeung Kak duo’s release sparks hope
One of the two Boeung Kak lake residents released on bail from Prey Sar prison on Friday is prepared to be a witness in the appeal trial of the 13 women convicted and sent to jail last month – but only if he is invited to be, he said yesterday. Sao Sareoun, 71, and Ly Channary were released on the condition they report to police every two weeks and do not change their addresses. Sao Sareoun, who was arrested outside the 13 women’s trial on May 24 as he tried to give evidence, said he was willing to testify in next Wednesday’s hearing at the Appeal Court, but did not want to find himself in more trouble by doing so. … The women were arrested at Boeung Kak on May 22 as protesters tried to rebuild a house on land cleared to make way for a $79 million development by Shukaku, a company headed by CPP senator Lao Meng Khin. They were charged two days later with disputing authority and trespassing, and were tried, convicted and sentenced in three hours without a lawyer or any witnesses.
