The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 21 NGO members, calls for the prompt release from prison of Born Samnang and Sok SamOeun, who were one year ago yesterday convicted -- despite a severe lack of evidence -- of murdering trade unionist Chea Vichea.

CHRAC respectfully appeals to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni to grant a Royal Amnesty to the two men, and urges the Royal Government not to oppose this, in order for them to be released as soon as possible, in the interests of justice.

On August 1, 2005, Born Samnang and Sok SamOeun were convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court of murder and sentenced to 20 years. CHRAC continues to believe that the trial verdict was grossly unfair due to the lack of evidence presented against the men. CHRAC also notes that numerous organizations and individuals, including Former King Norodom Sihanouk as well as the family of Chea Vichea, have publicly declared the innocence of Born Samnang and Sok SamOeun.

There were serious irregularities in the police investigation and the court's handling of this case. Critical evidence showed in the Municipal court and Appeal court -- including witness testimony that Born Samnang was 60km away from the crime scene at the time of Chea Vichea's murder -- was ignored.

Serious doubts about the professionalism of the police investigators in this case have been intensified by the fact that some of them have subsequently been prosecuted for committing serious crimes. They include Ly Rasy, who was last month convicted of complicity in the torture and killing of a woman in police custody, and Heng Peo, who is currently the subject of an arrest warrant for alleged involvement in several murders or attempted murders.

"Born Samnang and Sok SamOeun are serving 20 years in prison for a murder which no-one, including the victim's family, believes that they actually committed," said Thun Saray, chairman of CHRAC. "How much longer will this injustice, and the evidence of their innocence, continue to be ignored by the authorities?"

"These two men must be released," said Kek Galabru, president of LICADHO. "Their continued detention represents a wrong-doing of the Cambodian police and courts to ensure their independence, impartiality and professionalism."

សម្រាប់ព័ត៌មានបន្ថែម សូមទាក់ទង៖
▪ Mr. Mr. Thun Saray Chairperson of CHRAC, President of ADHOC Tel: 016 880 509
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru President of LICADHO Tel: 012 640 645

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