The website of human rights group Licadho was temporarily hacked, while the three Kampong Thom military police officers have been charged with manslaughter for a death in custody.
Civil society groups are refusing consultations with the government and U.N. on establishing an independent national human rights body, saying they should not be talking about a new committee without showing genuine interest in promoting and protecting human rights.
The director of human rights group Adhoc has resigned after five years living abroad following the arrests of his staff members, a decision seen as both an “opportunity” for new leadership in civil society and a new chapter for the NGO.
Police have targeted seven unions and associations for a “survey” of employees and their documentation, though a police official said the project has been put on hold for now after investigating two of the groups.
Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Khuong Sreng has appealed to city officials and police to allow NGOs to hold public events and work freely without threats.
Criticizing legal attacks against NGOs and independent media and the “one-party election” held last year, international nonprofit Civicus rated civil society in Cambodia as “repressed” in its latest State of Civil Society annual report.
Civil society organizations have appealed to the government to stop the use of violence against women human rights defenders.
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