Cambodian Villagers Demand Land Activist’s Release Ahead of Appeal
More than 200 villagers involved in three different land disputes gathered in front of Cambodia’s top court in the capital Tuesday to demand the release of jailed rights campaigner Yorm Bopha ahead of her final appeal against a criminal conviction later this week. Yorm Bopha’s impending appeal hearing also prompted international rights groups—who say she has been unfairly targeted because of her activism—to renew their demands for her release, saying authorities lack the evidence to support her conviction. On Tuesday, villagers from the Boueng Kak, Borei Keila and Thmor Korl communities of Phnom Penh involved in long-festering land disputes held a religious ceremony in front of the Supreme Court urging authorities to release the activist before her Nov. 22 appeal. … On Tuesday, the Geneva-based World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) issued a statement calling on Cambodian authorities for Yorm Bopha’s “immediate and unconditional release.” “The facts and circumstances of her arrest, as well as a thorough examination of the charges and evidence produced against her, clearly suggest that the criminal proceedings against Ms. Yorm Bopha were instigated in retaliation for her activities as a high-profile land and housing rights advocate,” the statement said. “The judicial process was marred by significant irregularities and her fundamental rights have been repeatedly breached. Her sentencing thus represents a gross miscarriage of justice and is yet another blow to rule of law and the credibility of Cambodia’s judicial system.” …
Radio Free Asia Staff
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/appeal-11192013183435.html
