Objective: To call for an investigation into the case of violent attack on VOD reporter Lay Samean by Daun Penh security forces on May 2, 2014
Regarding the above request, the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) would like to inform that:
During a crackdown on a march by CNRP supporters on Friday, May 5, 2014, Khan Daun Penh security guards brutally assaulted Voice of Democracy journalist Lay Samean as he attempted to document newsworthy events near Freedom Park. During the attack, security guards kicked and beat Samean on his head, face, abdomen and hands to the extent that he lost consciousness. Following the attack, the security guards left Samean lying unconscious in the street and confiscated his Samsung Galaxy Grand mobile phone, which he used for reporting.
This and other recent acts of violence against journalists by the Khan Daun Penh security guards flies in the face of the Cambodian Constitution’s guarantee of freedom of expression and freedom of the press (Article 41), as well as other constitutional guarantees to the rights of private possession (Article 44), assembly (Article 41) and freedom from physical abuse (Article 38). They likewise violate international law, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Cambodia is a signatory. Even the Cambodian Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith, recognized recent violence against journalists as a “serious violation of press freedom.” The May-4 statement by the ministry explicitly included seizure of journalists’ property among the behaviors it deems to be in violation of reporters’ rights.
The Kingdom of Cambodia is increasingly appearing in the international spotlight in a highly negative light due to ongoing violations of its citizens’ rights, and notably of their rights to free expression and freedom of the press. The Ministry of Justice has the power to halt this negative news coverage by taking legal action against those responsible for these violations and launching an investigation into the Khan Daun Penh security guards.
The Cambodian Center for Independent Media requests that the Ministry of Justice open an investigation into the May 2 attack against Lay Samean. A thorough investigation must identify the organizers, accomplices, and perpetrators of the Khan Daun Penh security forces responsible for the attack and hold them accountable in a Cambodian court for the laws they have violated. Moreover, compensation must be paid to Lay Samean to cover expenses incurred due to injuries sustained in the attack.
Only when justice is served for those who oppress the rights of others will Cambodians’ constitutional and human rights be truly guaranteed.
Sincerely,
Phnom Penh, May 16, 2014
Pa Ngoun Teang
CCIM Executive Director
