The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 17 local human rights NGOs, strongly condemns the crackdown on the peaceful demonstration to demand a decrease in the gasoline price by the Student Movement for Democracy association in Phnom Penh on June 1, 2004, and the arrest of 5 demonstrators.

According to CHRAC's investigation, the association had asked permission to the Phnom Penh authorities for peaceful demonstration but its request was denied. The demonstrators were dispersed by police armed with AK-47 automatic weapons, electric batons and bamboo sticks. The police also arrested the President, Secretary-General and three other Association members without warrant while they were demonstrating.

CHRAC considers that the aforementioned crackdown and arrest of the demonstrators is a violation of Articles 37 and 41 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia, which guarantees people the right to peaceful demonstration, and articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which stipulates people's rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

CHRAC strongly opposes the ban on peaceful demonstration and appeals to the government authorities to respect the right to freedom of expression and assembly in order to promote the rule of law and democracy in Cambodia. CHRAC also recommends amending the current Law on Demonstrations to comply with the Cambodian Constitution and International Law, and prevent the current arbitrary restrictions on demonstration.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru, Chairperson of CHRAC at 012 940 645
▪ Mr. Thun Saray, President of ADHOC at 016 880509
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun. Chairperson of the CHRAC Sub-Committee on Legislation, Executive Director of CDP at 012 901 199

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