PUBLICAI Index: ASA 23/12/99

12 July 1999

Further information on UA 151/99 (ASA 23/11/99, 29 June) - Prisoners of conscience

CAMBODIAKim Sen (Kim San)] Human rights

Meas Minear]workers

The trial of Kim Sen and Meas Minear began in Sihanoukville court on 8 July 1999. Both men are charged with inciting demonstrators to use violence.

All the defence witnesses called gave evidence, but the majority of the prosecution witnesses failed to appear in court when they were called on 9 July. No evidence was presented during the two days to support the charges against Kim Sen and Meas Minear, and the judge has suspended the trial until 21 July, because the prosecution witnesses failed to appear.

The charges against the two men relate to riots in the coastal town of Sihanoukville in December 1998. A Taiwanese company had been dumping toxic waste in the area, and demonstrations by local people turned violent. Kim Sen and Meas Minear monitored the demonstration for the Cambodian human rights group LICADHO, but did not organise it or take part in it.

Other defendants are being tried at the same time, on charges of robbery during the demonstrations. An Amnesty International representative attended the trial.

Further recommended action: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express/airmail letters in English, French or your own language:

- urging that the charges against Kim Sen and Meas Minear be dropped;

- noting that no evidence has been presented against them, and that there

have been many violations of the proper procedures in the course of the

case, including the arrest without warrants of both men on 21 December 1998;

- asking the authorities to ensure that human rights workers in Cambodia can go about their legitimate work without fear of arrest and detention.

APPEALS TO:

Prime Minister Hun Sen

Office of the Prime Minister

Phnom Penh

Kingdom of Cambodia

Faxes: + 855 23 42 6106 (if voice, ask for fax)

Telegrams: HE Hun Sen, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Salutation: Your Excellency

Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng

Office of the Council of Ministers

Phnom Penh

Kingdom of Cambodia

Faxes: + 855 23 42 6134 (if voice, ask for fax)

Telegrams: HE Sar Kheng, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Salutation: Dear Deputy Prime Minister

Minister of Justice Ouk Vithun

Office of the Council of Ministers

Phnom Penh

Kingdom of Cambodia

Faxes: + 855 23 426322

Salutation: Dear Minister

COPIES TO: diplomatic representatives of Cambodia accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 23 August 1999.