First Forest Patrol Since Activist’s Death Set

Members of the Prey Long Forest Network yesterday said they are planning to hold a citizens’ patrol to look for evidence of illegal logging in Kompong Thom province this weekend. The patrol would be the first such patrol in the country since the April 26 murder of environmental activist Chut Wutty, who had played a key role in organizing, leading and promoting the participation of local people in the protection of forests. Immediately after Chut Wutty’s death, network members spoke of plans for a coordinated patrol of several forests across the country and said that Chut Wutty’s death would not deter them from continuing in his footsteps. …