Official Statement
May 28, 2014, Phnom Penh
This morning, the Cambodian Center for Independent Media filed a lawsuit with the Phnom Penh Municipal Court accusing the Phnom Penh Governor, the Daun Penh District Governor and the Deputy Daun Penh District Governor with instigation in in the May 2 assault on VOD reporter Lay Samean.
On that day, Samean was brutally assaulted by Daun Penh district security guards as he attempted to cover an election march near Freedom Park. Between six and 10 guards beat Samean so severely that he lost consciousness and suffered a broken cheekbone that required medical transport to Thailand for a complicated facial reconstruction surgery involving three highly specialized surgeons who repaired damage to his face, mouth and eye.
In our lawsuit, CCIM charges that the May 2 attack was systematically ordered and organized by the very government officials responsible for guaranteeing the safety of Phnom Penh’s citizens. On that day, and on many occasions since January 3, 2014, the Phnom Penh Governor and Daun Penh District authorities have severely neglected their roles and responsibility in ensuring their citizens’ safety and have instead instigated and ordered indiscriminate and inhumane attacks on citizens who dare to employ their right to freedom of expression.
Samean was trying to do just that, and for it, he was attacked and left lying unconscious and bleeding in the street.
At just 27 years old, Samean has always demonstrated the highest commitment to gathering and reporting the news in an unbiased and professional manner, and we at CCIM are committed to finding justice for him. In addition to requesting the prosecutor to open a criminal investigation into the Phnom Penh city and Daun Penh district authorities who instigated the attack, CCIM is also seeking compensation for medical costs and for Samean’s emotional and mental duress, at a total of $30,000 USD.
But this case is about much more than money. It is about justice for all Cambodians who are repressed in their pursuit of free expression, and we at CCIM are taking a stand today and telling the Phnom Penh city officials that we have had enough. Attacks on journalists are unacceptable and must be stopped.
Thank you.
