Cambodian court again delays trial of 23 jailed protesters
A court in Phnom Penh put off for the second time Tuesday the trial of 23 Cambodians arrested during a deadly worker strike crackdown, drawing criticism from rights groups who said the move was politically motivated. After a five-hour hearing, with hundreds of riot police manning barricades as dozens of supporters and relatives gathered outside the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, presiding Judge Keo Mony ruled that proceedings be adjourned until May 20 to provide for further review of evidence. The 23 have been waiting to defend themselves in court since their arrest following a January crackdown on an opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP)-backed strike by workers demanding higher wages, which left five people dead and nearly 40 wounded. … Tuesday’s trial began early with the defendants separated into three chambers, including one in which judges questioned president of the Independent Democratic Association of Informal Economy and government critic Vorn Pov, as well as nine others arrested on Jan. 2 at the Yak Jin factory in Phnom Penh, where the strike took place. Judges repeatedly asked the accused questions which implied their blame and echoed the line of inquiry used by the prosecution, according to nongovernmental organizations which—along with foreign diplomats—made up the limited number of monitors permitted to observe the proceedings. … Despite the frustration that supporters and rights groups have expressed over the delays to the trial proceedings, defense lawyer Sam Sokong suggested that the second adjournment could benefit the accused. “The court adjourned the trials to May 20 because it needs more time to examine documents and evidence,” China’s official Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying after the hearing. “The adjournment is good for both the court and the defendants—they will have enough time to find additional documents.” …
Radio Free Asia News Staff
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/trial-05062014144900.html
