Court Again Delays Trial of 23 Jailed Cambodians
For the second time, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court has put off the trial of 23 activists and factory workers arrested in January following labor protests that rattled Prime Minister Hun Sen's government. Following a five-hour hearing on May 6, the presiding judge ruled that the trial would be adjourned for two weeks, citing a need for further review of evidence.
Police trucks prepare to disperse protestors gathered outside the courthouse. Street demonstrations have been banned since January in the capital.
Police block the street in front of the court where the 23 defendants face charges of instigating violence and damage to property. Supporters gathered nearby to call for the charges to be dropped.
Protesters gather in front of the court calling for the release of Vorn Pov, President of the Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA), as well as his co-defendants.
The minimum wage saw an increase, but not as much as workers had demanded, and the defendants were arrested during Jan. 2-3 labor unrest in front of the Yak Jin garment factory.
Textile workers had been asking for a raise and confrontations with the police left at least five people dead. The garment industry is Cambodia's main export earner.
The protest was followed by a widespread but short-lived strike. The defendants face sentences of to up to five years in prison.
Activists hold a banner asking for justice. Human rights groups say judges and prosecutors appear to have little interest in hearing the defense's case.
Rights activists have long questioned the fairness of Cambodia's judicial system, which they say is tainted by politics and allows impunity for the rich and well-connected.
The Phnom Penh Municipality Building in the capital. Labor unions have close links to the opposition and Hun Sen has warned them to keep out of politics.