The Morm Rithy, a prominent figure in Cambodia’s labor movement, has been given an 18-month prison sentence by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court due to a Facebook post in which he criticised the treatment of a casino worker.
Legal Proceedings Commence Against Union Leader Rithy Over Facebook Censure
Rithy also holds esteemed positions as the president of the Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation (CTSWF), and the vice-president of the Cambodian Labor Confederation (CLC). He has been indicted with accusations of incitement and disparagement of judicial decisions, as per The Camboja News report.
The charges stem from a Facebook post dated February 24, 2022, in which Rithy voiced his concerns regarding the incarceration of Morm Sreyleak, an employee of the Jin Bei 2 casino, and queried the validity of her detention. His plea for greater transparency in the legal proceedings triggered the Jin Bei Group, owned by Chinese, to lodge a complaint against him.
After drawn-out legal proceedings, Rithy was arrested on May 7 of this year outside the CLC offices in Phnom Penh. Because of scheduling clashes, Rithy was unable to make it to the hearing, and the verdict was delivered in his absence.
Rights Associations in Cambodia Denounce Union Leader’s Judgement
Licadho along with other human rights organisations have voiced their condemnation regarding Rithy’s prison terms. They regard these imprisonments as an intimidation tactic to suppress labor unions and halt their activist activities.
This event is part of a broader clampdown on activists and union leaders in Cambodia. Prior to Rithy’s arrest, the Supreme Court of Cambodia endorsed the verdict of Chhim Sithar, a fellow labor unionist, and several others who staged a walkout at NagaWorld Casino.
Cambodia has been subject to censure for such activities that tarnish its democratic image and infringe upon basic freedoms. The Cambodian government has proclaimed its adherence to the law, yet allegations of politically motivated lawsuits and judicial intimidation persist.
Cambodia’s historical record is marked by authoritarian rule, including that by former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Amidst this scenario, the nation still faces challenges in upholding democratic values, protecting human rights and safeguarding freedom of speech. With a change in leadership, observers are still waiting to see notable enhancements in the country’s human rights arena.
In the aftermath of Rithy’s incarceration and prison judgement, union leaders and activists have campaigned for his releasing, viewing the incident as a risk to the labor movement’s capability to advocate for workers’ rights.
