Former Khmer Rouge Want No More Cases at Tribunal

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Saturday,28 July 2012

Former Khmer Rouge cadre in the former stronghold of Anlong Veng say they are uneasy with the prospect of further arrests.

Im Chaem is among the five suspects for further cases.

ANLONG VENG - Despite some pressure on the Khmer Rouge tribunal to pursue more cases, former Khmer Rouge cadre in the former stronghold of Anlong Veng say they are uneasy with the prospect of further arrests. One resident here in the district in Oddar Meanchey province, Um Mek, said he always wanted to see Khmer Rouge leaders held accountable for atrocities committed under their rule.

Asean Reached Consensus On South China Sea

Say Mony and Pin Sisovann, VOA Khmer
Sunday, 22 Jul 2012

This week Southeast Asian leaders have scrambled to reach a consensus on how to handle territorial disputes in the South China Sea. VOA Khmer's Say Mony and Pin Sisovann report.

Anti-Genocide Memorial Erected in Last Khmer Rouge Stronghold

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Thursday,19 July 2012

The memorial, a black marble plaque with gold lettering, was mounted on the wall at Anlong Veng High School.

Human sculls are displayed in the stupa of Choeung Ek, a former Khmer Rouge "killing field" dotted with mass graves about nine miles (15 kilometers) south  of Phnom Penh,

ODDAR MEANCHEY Province - In an effort to prevent future atrocities like those conducted under the Khmer Rouge, the Documentation Center of Cambodia has been erecting memorials at high schools across the country. The memorials are meant to prompt discussion of the regime, in hopes of more national reconciliation. One of these memorials was erected last month in the final stronghold of Democratic Kampuchea, as the Khmer Rouge is formally called, in the northwestern part of the country, Anlong Veng, in Oddar Meanchey province.

UN Expert To Khmer Rouge Court Sees Promise Over Problems

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Tuesday, 17 July 2012 

Though ECCC’s international prosecutors and judges have resigned one after another, Scheffer expressed optimism to VOA Khmer in June.

David Scheffer, UN special expert to Khmer Rouge tribunal.

In spite of the recent hurdles faced by the ECCC – ranging from the resignation of international prosecutors and judges and a lack of salary for its staffers – the recent appointment of a prominent academic expert on world war crime as a special expert to the tribunal by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon promises the continued success of the court’s efforts.

Appeals Court Orders Release of Thirteen Boeung Kak Protesters

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Thursday, 28 June 2012

Thirteen women hastily convicted in May after their arrest in a land demonstration were released from jail on Wednesday, following a decision by the Appeals Court. VOA Khmer's Say Mony reports from Phnom Penh.

War Crimes Expert Optimistic on Tribunal's Future

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Friday, 22 June 2012

The UN-backed Khmer Rouge tribunal is facing a number of obstacles, from dwindling funds to ongoing criticism of the Cambodian government's hand in the court's decisions. However, David Scheffer, the UN's special expert for the court and a former US war crimes diplomat, says the tribunal is capable of delivering justice for the atrocity crimes of the Khmer Rouge. VOA Khmer's Say Mony interviewed Scheffer on a recent trip to Phnom Penh.

‘Red Wedding’ Shows Lasting Scars of Forced Marriage

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Thursday, 07 June 2011

Son Thann, 58, and now lives in Kandal province was also forced to marry one of the Khmer Rouge soldiers.

A new documentary film premiered in Phnom Penh on Thursday reveal forced marriages ordered by the Khmer Rouge ahead of the Khmer Rouge tribunal's initial hearing of its four senior leaders late this month. Red Wedding, which last 58 minutes, follows the current life of a woman who is bitterly describing her sufferings during the Khmer Rouge period when she was forced to marry one of their soldiers. Her unwanted husband raped her under the Khmer Rouge's orders, she said in the film. Pen Sokchan was 16 at that time.

Some Hope for Change, as Cambodians Vote for Local Leaders

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Tuesday, 05 June 2012

Cambodians went to the polls on Sunday to elect local commune council leaders. Election officials said they were happy with the turnout. Many voters said they hoped to see change in local leadership, as they cast ballots mostly for four main parties. VOA Khmer's Say Mony has more from the polling stations.

Potential Voters See Petty Corruption as a Major Expense

Say Mony, VOA Khmer

Saturday,02 June 2012 

As Cambodians prepare for local elections Sunday, voters say petty corruption in their villages is very much on their mind. Meas Sokim, a motorcycle taxi driver in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district, says he recently spent $10 to obtain his family’s record book from local authorities. That’s the amount he earns in several days as a driver, for a service that should be free, or cost little money, he said in a recent interview.

Activist Monk Released, Vows To Continue Activism

Say Mony, VOA Khmer
Saturday, 26 May 2012 

Loun Savath said Thursday he is following the teachings of Buddha by defending  human rights and he vowed to continue his activism.

Loun Savath, a monk and rights activist who was detained by plain clothes security officials Thursday, was released that night, after he agreed to sign a letter vowing to stop leading and participating in protests. However, he has promised he will not halt his activism. Loun Savath was seized while observing a protest by villagers of the Boeung Kak lake development project. He has become a common figure at land protests, vexing Cambodia’s Buddhist leadership.