Cambodia Charges Eco-Activists With Conspiracy, Royal Defamation
Cambodian and international rights advocates have condemned the harsh charges imposed on three 20-something environmental activists in the country earlier this week, the latest sign of the Cambodian government’s determination to stamp out the last traces of independent political advocacy.
On June 16, Sun Ratha, 26, Ly Chandaravuth, 22, and Seth Chhivlimeng, 25, were arrested in the capital Phnom Penh, reportedly for filming the flow of raw sewage in the Tonle Sap river. Another activist, 33-year-old Yim Leanghy, was arrested in Kandal province outside the capital.
Sebastian Strangio
