CITA have informed EI that Rong Chhun, their president who was arrested on October 15, was released on bail yesterday. Chhun’s release on bail follows a campaign of intense pressure by the international trade union movement, including the ICFTU, Education International and a number of its affiliates.
In addition to Chhun, 3 others who have been charged with defaming the Cambodian government have been released on bail. They are Kim Sokha and Pa Houg Teang (from the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights) and radio station owner Mam Sonando. Rong Chhun was arrested for voicing his personal views on the Cambodia-Vietnam border issue. EI consider that all charges against him should be dropped, as they are in breach of free and peaceful expression and people’s rights, as provided for in Article 41 of the Cambodian Constitution. EI will continue to monitor the court case.