Adhoc defends Staffer in Incitement Claim
Human rights group Adhoc yesterday criticized a commune official in Pursat province’s Veal Veng district for accusing one of its staff of incitement and spreading disinformation after villagers traveled to Phnom Penh in March to protest over a land dispute with well known businessman Try Pheap. ... As part of his work Mr. [Phuong] Sothea had provided the families with information on land rights and advocacy methods. On March 15, he had also helped a workshop in Pursat city with families and local authorities to discuss the situation. Mr. Sothea said yesterday that he was innocent and had not incited the villagers. ... In its statement, Adhoc said that Mr. Sothea had merely provided the affected families in the land dispute with information on land rights and advocacy methods, and “at no time did he engage in legal activities.” ...
