Late last month, three prominent human rights activists, Pa Nguon Teang, Venerable But Buntenh, and Moeun Tola, were charged with misappropriation of funds from the funeral of opposition activists Dr. Kem Ley in 2017. These charges were the result of a complaint from a pro government party. Already more than 30 civil society organisations have come out to condemn these charges and to call for their withdrawal. The implications of these charges are serious as one of the accused, Moeun Tola, is a long-time advocate for the rights of workers in Cambodia. These latest events are just another sign of the increasingly repressive climate in Cambodia.
Late last month, three prominent human rights activists, Pa Nguon Teang, Venerable But Buntenh, and Moeun Tola, were charged with misappropriation of funds from the funeral of opposition activists Dr. Kem Ley in 2017. These charges were the result of a complaint from a pro government party. Already more than 30 civil society organisations have come out to condemn these charges and to call for their withdrawal. The implications of these charges are serious as one of the accused, Moeun Tola, is a long-time advocate for the rights of workers in Cambodia. These latest events are just another sign of the increasingly repressive climate in Cambodia.
