AKP Phnom Penh, December 12, 2018 --

Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen this morning urged three union leaders to file an appeal against yesterday’s verdict by Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicting them of instigating violence over their roles in violent protests in late 2013 and early 2014.

At a get-together with 17,621 workers and employees from 23 factories and enterprises in Kampong Speu held at the province’s Samrong Tong district, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Chea Mony, former President of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Ath Thorn, President of the Cambodian Labour Confederation, and Mr. Pav Sina, President of Collective Union of the Movement of Workers, should file an appeal against the verdict.

They are among the six union leaders found guilty by the municipal court. They were sentenced to two years and six months in jail, but all sentences are suspended. However, they must pay 5 million Riel (roughly US$1,250) to a factory owner and 30 million Riel (about US$7,500) to other plaintiffs.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen said he has evidences and witnesses to prove that those three union leaders were not involved in the violent protests.

The other three union leaders are Ms. Mom Nhim, President of the Confederation of Cambodian Garment Industry, Ms. Yang Sophorn, President of the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions, and Former unionist Rong Chhun.

By Khan Sophirom