ARTICLE

The Swiss musicians entertaining the prisoners in Pursat prison

In a touching act of compassion, ten musicians from Switzerland performed in prisons across Cambodia in January, providing a rare diversion and cause for joy among the prisoners. From January 17-30, 2010, the musicians went on a whirlwind tour, performing in 11 prisons throughout the country. The musicians are part of the organization Repris de Justesse which aims to bring music to prisons all over the world. Most of the musicians whom have other jobs and play locally in bars and clubs in Switzerland, paid for their own travel, food, and accommodations.

The objective of the tour was to provide some joy to prisoners who normally have little cause for celebration, and perhaps to alleviate some of the stress and depression that typically accompany prolonged confinement.

LICADHO assisted in organizing the performances and in securing permission from prison officials. Prison administrators were generally cooperative in providing generators, chairs, and tables to make the events possible.
The reception from the prisoners was overwhelmingly positive. At most performances, they cheered enthusiastically and in many cases, danced along with the music. "We are so happy, since we have never seen or experienced anything like this program since we have been in prison," said one prisoner.

Each performance was approximately two hours long. Due to space limitations, one hundred to three hundred prisoners would be released from their cells into the main performance area, while the remaining prisoners listened from their cells. At the conclusion of each performance, the band took the opportunity to talk with and embrace prisoners.

Performances were held at prisons in Prey Sar, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Kompong Chhnang, Takeo, Kampot, Preah Sihanouk, and Koh Kong. The band also performed for groups hosted by the Mith Samlanh Organization and Light of Child Hope Organization.