"Villagers summoned over land dispute in Preah Sihanouk", 4 September 2019

The Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court summoned a senior NGO official and 22 villagers in Prey Nop district for questioning over a land dispute with prominent tycoon Ly Yong Phat and Hong Suon, the wife of tycoon Siev Kong Triv.

In her complaint, Suon accused them of causing intentional damages in Prey Nop district’s Bit Traing commune.

According to one of the warrants dated …, Investigating Judge Kuon Chantha ordered Sun Sophat, head of the Cambodia Coalition of Farmer Community’s (CCFC) provincial committee, and the 22 villagers to appear before the court ...

While considering the summons as a threat, Sophat said he had consulted his lawyer and would appear before the court.

He flatly denied any involvement in the dispute, claiming he had never owned land in the area…

Long Vichet, another villager who has been summoned to appear for questioning …, said he had consulted a lawyer and was preparing relevant documentation to prove his innocence.

… Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court spokesman Lim Bun Heng declined to comment on Tuesday, referring a reporter to Investigating Judge Chantha who could not be reached for comment.

Cheap Sotheary, the provincial coordinator for rights group Adhoc, said the 23 accused were known to be involved in the land dispute with the tycoons…