Shooting probe urged
UN rights envoy Surya Subedi wrapped up his six-day fact-finding mission to Cambodia yesterday by calling for a thorough investigation into security forces’ role in the deadly crackdown on garment workers early this month. He also offered to act as a mediator between the ruling Cambodian People’s Party and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party and said he hoped to see Cambodians heading to the polls after his recommendations were implemented. … Subedi also called on the authorities to release on bail the 23 detainees held since the crackdown. “I condemn the incommunicado detention of the 23 for several days and urge the authorities to prevent the reoccurrence of such violation of individual rights,” he said. Twenty-three alleged protesters and activists were charged with intentional violence with aggravating circumstances and intentional damage with aggravating circumstances after being arrested on January 2 and 3 and then held in secret in Kampong Cham’s Correctional Center 3. The UN envoy also said the government should outline the legal basis for a ban on public gatherings, create an evidence-based mechanism to set a new minimum wage for garment workers, establish an independent human rights institution and address his concerns over ongoing land disputes. …
Daniel Pye
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/shooting-probe-urged
