Briefs: Violent Threat Against Metta Forest Monk
Kampong Speu residents accused soldiers of threatening to use violence against a monk trying to protect the community’s Metta forest, confiscating his phone to stop him from taking photos of their activities.
Rights Group Takes Down Rap Video Citing Police’s Legal Threat
Licadho has removed a rap video that marked nine years since deadly violence at mass worker protests, saying the police had warned that if the group refused, authorities would take further legal action.
NagaWorld Unionists Ask Court to Tell Them Their Bail Conditions
Six NagaWorld union members want the Phnom Penh court to tell them the exact conditions under which they were given bail, after union president Chhim Sithar was arrested in November for allegedly violating a court-ordered travel ban.
Police Ask Licadho to Take Down ‘Workers Blood’ Rap Video
A right group’s head has been questioned by cybercrime police over the NGO’s involvement in releasing a rap video commemorating the ninth anniversary of bloody clashes between security personnel and garment workers.
13 Traffic Cops Disciplined Over Alleged Bribery, Violence
A motorist took to social media to allege that traffic police stopped him for a bribe, took his phone to prevent him from filming them, and beat him during a traffic stop in Takeo province.
Hun Sen Threatens ‘Stick,’ Lawsuit for Criticism Aimed at Ruling Party
Cambodia’s opposition parties must not criticize the ruling Cambodian People’s Party or question their election victories, said Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday, even threatening legal action against any such dissent.
Pagodas in Vietnam Guide Rejuvenation of Khmer Traditions
Organizers say half a million Khmer Krom people attended the opening of a new pagoda in Vietnam’s Soc Trang province over the three days leading into the New Year, as the community sees pressures selectively easing and traditions experiencing a revival.
Culture Ministry Requests Action Against Rapper Kea Sokun’s ‘Workers Blood’
The Culture Ministry has asked the National Police to stifle a new video by rapper Kea Sokun that calls for justice over authorities shooting and killing at least four workers in a 2014 crackdown on a protest at Phnom Penh’s Veng Sreng Boulevard.
Compensation Plans Unclear for Casino Fire Victims
Officials are studying the “legal aspects” of compensation with a Poipet casino after a fire killed at least 26 people while those trapped inside reported a lack of alarms, sprinklers and safety measures.
Candlelight Party Member Arrested for Alleged Forest Clearing
A Candlelight Party member and former CNRP commune chief was arrested in Kampong Speu’s Baset district for allegedly clearing community forest land.
Preparations Underway as Chinese Travel Revival Approaches
China is scrapping its travel bans starting Sunday, and Cambodia’s tourism industry is looking ahead to a return to the brisk trade seen pre-pandemic.
Kirirom National Park, Bati District Land Granted to Elites
Relatives of infamous Pheapimex CEO Choeung Sopheap received forest land in the center of Kirirom National Park, while a minister, tycoons and an apparent relative of first lady Bun Rany all received state land, according to official documents published in late December.
Brief: Bavet Casino Worker, Three Others Arrested for Gun Possession
Bavet police have arrested four men for gun possession, including a suspect who works at an oknha-owned casino in the city.
Residents Say ‘Online’ Has Taken Over Poipet Accommodations
Many guesthouses and hotels across Poipet have been fully booked out by “online” companies to house their foreign workers, turning the city into a boomtown for the hazy work.
NEC Rejects Reform Requests from Minor Parties, Form 1102 Access Restricted
Minor party leaders say voting irregularities they flagged after last year’s commune election have not been addressed by the National Election Committee, which has ignored most of their suggestions for electoral reform.
Kandal Residents Near New Airport Asked to Take Down Structures
Kandal residents affected by the new airport development said they were told by company workers to dismantle small sheds they use to house animals, causing anxiety among people that their land could be cleared soon.
Residents Say Dangkao Borey Developer Pawned Their Land Titles
Residents at a housing development in Phnom Penh say they have not been given land titles for homes and land they purchased from a real estate developer, alleging the company pawned their properties.
More Than Protest: The Women, Life, Freedom Revolution in Iran
Even though I am currently residing in Cambodia, far away from Iran, the movement for Women, Life, Freedom has been haunting me for weeks, writes Veronika Gruber.
18,000 have been jailed; 500 killed. Closing my eyes and remaining silent in front of this extreme injustice toward humankind would mean my approval of the brutality of the Iranian regime, she says.
Authorities Begin Demolition of Poipet Casino Destroyed in Fire
Cambodian authorities began the demolition of a Poipet casino that was destroyed in a massive fire last week, with a provincial spokesperson confirming there are no bodies left in the buildings.
Fired Kep Deputy Governor Absconding After Assaulting Woman
A fired deputy Kep governor is still on the run after a court complaint was filed against him for assaulting a woman on the head during a party in the last week of December.
Speaking About Cryptic Case, Hun Sen Calls for Fewer Arrests in Civil Suits
Prime Minister Hun Sen said he got a Bayon TV employee released on bail for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent land sale to a local tycoon, and used the case to advocate for increased use of bail in civil cases.
Casino Cleaner Recalls Three Hours in Poipet Inferno
Workers stuck inside the Grand Diamond City Casino told VOD their harrowing accounts of escaping the burning buildings, with the incident also raising serious questions about fire safety measures in the casino.
Chinese Scam Rescuer Released From Prison After 10 Months
Chen Baorong, a Chinese businessperson who was at the forefront to rescue hundreds of workers from online scam operations in Cambodia, was released from Preah Sihanouk prison on Monday.
Hun Sen Warns Nephew Over Alleged Lover
Hun Sen warned his nephew Hun Chea and an alleged lover to end their relationship, publicly naming the woman and revealing her Facebook account at a government event.
‘I’m Waiting for My Wife’: Cambodian Victims of Poipet Fire Are Unaccounted for
A Poipet resident’s family are still hopeful they can locate her after she went missing last week when a border casino burned down in a massive blaze.
Ministry: Deaths at Prey Speu Center, but No Negligence
The Social Affairs Ministry has confirmed an unspecified number of people dying at the notorious Prey Speu detention center after a local rights group alleged deaths and inadequate care, but a spokesperson denied any negligence or wrongdoing.
25 Confirmed Dead at Poipet Casino as Thai Families Wait for News of Missing
Cambodian authorities have confirmed at least 25 dead at a Poipet casino fire that started late Wednesday night, as family members of those missing make their way to the border town hoping for good news.
Children of India’s Burning Coalfields Dream of a Fire-Free Future
At India’s oldest coalfield, Jharia, fires rage underground, bare trees stand guard morosely around mines spewing dust and fumes – and coal has provided work for at least four generations.
Society 2022: Gender, Ethnic Discrimination Under Spotlight
Deep-seated issues around gender and ethnic discrimination flared up throughout the year, both in strife and in acts of courage.
Green, Clean and Hated by Locals? Inside Brazil’s Biggest Landfill
In Brazil’s state of São Paulo, one otherwise ordinary town is known for its extraordinary landfill facility – the largest in the country – which produces renewable energy alongside a stench that has riled citizens and councillors.
