The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 18 NGOs, is very disappointed at the authorities in Khan Russei Keo for pulling down the houses of 545 families in Sangkat Phnom Penh Thmey, Khan Russei Keo, Phnom Penh City.

On 9th September 2005, the Governor and Deputy Governor of Khan Russei Keo led approximately 100 civilian and military police and brought bulldozers and about 20 workers to demolish 200 private houses and destroy the property they were built on. During this incident, a victim was pushed off his house, injuring his right hand and requiring that he be taken to LICADHO office for medical treatment.

CHRAC believes that this action violated legal procedures, and that it should be considered an illegal act of destruction of private property because the authorities did not ask for a warrant from the court, did not commit the eviction peacefully, and did not inform the residents with sufficient time in advance before destroying their houses.

CHRAC also notes that the local authorities did not intervene when the people were building their houses on private or public land locations - but after these houses were built, then the authorities forced the people to pull them down. Such action violates the law and the article 31 of the 7th paragraph of the Sub-Decree No. 86 Or Nor Kror Bor Kor on Construction Permission Letter dated 19th December 1997, which states that: "....in particular case, the local authority has to file a complaint to the court asking an urgent warrant for pulling down..."

CHRAC, therefore, would like to request that the competent ministries and court institution take appropriate measures against the local authorities for destroying these people's properties through an illegal procedure.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun Chairman of CHRAC and CDP Tel: 012 901 199
▪ Mr. Thun Saray President of ADHOC Tel: 016 880 509
▪ Mrs. Nay Dina Executive Director Tel: 011 924 286
▪ Ms. Sao Chanhorm Monitoring Coordinator of LICADHO Tel: 012 356 107

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