ARTICLE

Anti-riot police officers awaiting further orders on the side of the street

On February 27, 2006, factory workers gathered in Stung Meanchey district for a peaceful demonstration that would, by day's end, be intimidated by riot police in order to 'clean up the streets' during the Indonesian president's visit.

The demonstration was organized by the coalition of Cambodia Apparel of Worker Democratic Union (CCAWDU) and the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC). The workers demanded that a decision by the Arbitration Council on the duration of contracts be respected and that seven employees who were fired after advocating for better working conditions be reinstated.

The coalition gathered more than 1,000 workers from two factories - Flying Dragon 2 (FD2) and Flying Dragon 3 (FD3) - owned by Mr Meas Sotha. Also present and supporting the demands that day was president of FTUWKC Mr Chea Mony, president of Cambodian Independent Teachers' Association (CITA) Mr Rong Chhun and Sam Rainsy Party Member of Parliament Keo Remy.

Workers first protested in front of the FD2 factory, watched carefully by 30 police officers. A meeting was arranged with union leaders, company representatives and members of the Government.

Police taking away demonstrators' microphoneAfter ineffective negotiations, demonstrators began a march to the National Assembly, in central Phnom Penh. They were quickly halted by a growing number of police , some in riot gear equipped with tear gas grenades, tear masks, shields, batons and AK-47 rifles. At that time, more than 70 police and other authorities blocked the protesters and abruptly confiscated their banners and microphone systems.

At that time, no reason was given as to why the group was not allowed to proceed with its peaceful march to the heart of Phnom Penh. Under the Labor Law, protests are allowed when other avenues for resolving disputes break down. Most demonstrators left, intimidated by the display of force by the armed authorities, while a smaller group of approximately 200 workers stayed behind.

Demonstrators and their leaders - surrounded by the police - decided to reconvene their protest in front of the FD2 factory. The number of police and anti-riot personnel reached more than a 100 by the early afternoon.

At 2pm, the Phnom Penh deputy governor Mr Pa Socheat Vong invited 10 union leaders to a discussion at the municipality office. No factory owners or management participated in the meeting. They were told by the deputy governor that they were not allowed to demonstrate because an Indonesian government delegation was visiting the capital until Wednesday and the protest would give a bad impression of Cambodia.

LICADHO notes that despite recent conciliatory gestures by the Royal Government of Cambodia in advance of the CG meeting, it persists in its policy of severe restrictions to the fundamental right of assembly for ordinary citizens. In 2005 alone, LICADHO reported that 40 demonstrations were blocked by authorities, including nine labor strikes.

LICADHO also condemns the on-going trend to use visible presence of anti-riots units, guns and tear gas at peaceful demonstrations. This excessive display of force is unjustified and has a chilling effect on people's constitutional rights to assemble and express themselves. Citizens who feel they have been wronged are dissuaded from peaceful, lawful protest because of their fear of a violent crackdown.