July 19, 1999
July 19, 1999
Contact HRF Communications (212) 845 5245 media@humanrightsfirst.orgTrial of Rights Workers to Resume July 21
Human Rights First submits preliminary report to UN Human Rights Committee
New York, July 19 – The trial of Kim Sen and Meas Minear, two rights workers with Cambodian human rights organization LICADHO, will resume on Wednesday July 21. The men are on trial for charges of participation in an illegal demonstration and incitement to violence. The first two days of the hearing took place on July 8-9.
On July 12, Human Rights First wrote to the UN Human Rights Committee, which considered Cambodia’s human rights performance on July 14-15. Human Rights First’s letter highlighted concerns about possible political interference in the hearing and procedural irregularities that appear to have occurred during the first two days of the trial. "The evidence of continuing procedural irregularities heighten our concern that Kim Sen and Meas Minear will not be permitted to enjoy their internationally guaranteed right to a fair trial," said Robert O. Weiner, Director of Protection at Human Rights First.
Human Rights First’s trial observer, attorney Oliver Ulich, reported that none of the testimony presented so far has purported to implicate Kim Sen and Meas Minear in any illegal act or participation in the demonstration. Human Rights First will continue to follow the progress of the hearing.
The two men were arrested and charged last December after a demonstration by local residents turned violent. The residents were protesting the illegal dumping of 3,000 tons of toxic waste in the small province. The men assert that they were performing their normal role of human rights monitoring when the violence started.
The UN Human Rights Committee will issue its comments about Cambodia’s human rights performance at the end of July.