Friday, 21 March 2008

Immediate and unconditional release of SRP commune chief

Phnom Penh March 20, 2008

IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF SRP COMMUNE CHIEF

Sam Rainsy Party calls on the Kompong Thom court to unconditionally andimmediately release Mr. Tuot Saron, a commune chief of Pong Ro, Kampong Thomprovince, who was charged and jailed on 19 March, 2008 for a crime he didnot commit.

Mr. Tuot Saron was arrested in Kompong Thom a day after the Prime Ministeropenly ordered the court to take action against him. In the same speech,other SRP members were mentioned by PM as possible targets for arrest. Forthe court to act under direct order made by PM without proper investigationis clearly explain the power of the Prime Minister Hun Sen over the court,judges and prosecutors as identified by the UN special envoys for HumanRights in Cambodia.

The use state and private media to disseminate orders for arrest members ofopposition party is not just an abuse of power, but also an attempt tospread fear among voters and members of political opponent who are rejectingthe CPP. Such action is seriously violating Human Rights, particularly thepolitical rights of our citizens which is one of the most fundamental humanrights stipulated in our Constitution and UN Conventions.

SRP is gravely alarmed by the current political environment which is notconducive to free and fair election to be held on 27 July, 2008, just fourmonths from now.

SRP strongly urges the International Community to call on the government andthe National Election Committee to take all measures to immediately stopthese political harassment and threat so that the 2008 election can and willbe held with free and fair environment.

SRP calls on the International Community not to delay sending observers tomonitor the upcoming election and to seriously take note of the recentpolitical development as a threat to free and fair election.

SRP Members of Parliament
For further information call 012858857
http://www.samrainsyparty.org/archives/achieve_08/march/080320_statement.htm

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