Seven representatives from Boeung Kak Lake community, who were arrested and detained yesterday after protesting outside city hall, appeared before Prosecutor Mr. Seang Sok at Phnom Penh Court of the First Instance this morning.

The seven women all appeared before the court, after authorities accused them yesterday of obstructing public traffic (Article 78 of the Traffic Law) and insulting public officials (Article 502 of the Penal Code). 50 supporters gathered outside the court in support.

Areas near the site of the former lake have been flooded for a number of days due to alleged deliberate drainage problems under the control of city hall authorities.

Those detained are Nget Khun, Tep Vanny, Song Srey Leap, Kong Chantha, Phan Chhunreth, who were all previously arrested and convicted in 2012 for peaceful activism. The other two community representatives arrested and detained yesterday were Po Chorvy and Nong Sreng.