Publication : Press Release

Phnom Penh, 01 May 2014 – The Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) condemns in the strongest possible terms the violence meted out to unarmed protesters at today’s Labor Day rally in Phnom Penh. ADHOC monitors witnessed two people being beaten over the course of this morning, one severely, by public order guards. The incidents took place near Wat Phnom and Freedom Park. In the second incident a man sitting atop his motorbike was talking on his cell phone when he was singled out by the guards, tasered in the neck and beaten with fists and batons. When he tried to make his escape the guards threw their batons at him, knocking him down. When he fell to the floor the guards kicked and stamped on his head. The man was taken away shortly after to receive medical treatment. Phnom Penh’s public order guards have a well-deserved reputation for violence, regularly beating protesters. Their actions this morning again demonstrate that they function not to keep the public order but to intimidate and attack those who exercise their expressive rights.

Information Source : ADHOC CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AND CONTINUED VIOLATION OF THE RIGHT TO PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY

• Adhoc