Land Grabs, Abuse of Courts Persisted in ’06: Amnesty

Cambodia continued to suffer from a land crisis in 2006, authorities used the courts to curtail criticism, and restrictions on freedom of assembly were maintained, Amne­sty International said in its annual global report released Wednesday evening.

“Land concessions and other opaque land deals between business interests and the authorities continued,” the London-based rights group said.

“[A]round 10,000 urban poor in Phnom Penh lost their homes to well-connected businessmen without adequate consultation, compensation or legal protection,” it added.

Amnesty cited June’s forced evictions in Phnom Penh’s Village 14 in Tonle Bassac commune, as well as the July evictions of residents living next to Preah Monivong Hospital.

The report noted that the government has not passed the long-awaited anti-corruption law, and criticized the passage of the adultery law in September and the law introducing compulsory military service, which was passed in October.

“A law introducing compulsory military service [is] in sharp contrast to government pledges to reduce the armed forces,” Amnesty said.

CPP lawmaker Nguon Nhel acknowledged that Cambodia has had difficulties resolving certain land issues, but denied that the government restricted freedom of assembly or manipulated the courts.

“The courts cannot be under the control of the government or any other institution,” he said. “I do not be­lieve the authorities use the courts to curtail…criticism.”

Nguon Nhel said the anti-corruption law has taken longer than expected because the government wants it to meet international standards.

Thun Saray, president of local rights group Adhoc, said he had read Amnesty’s report and found it said nothing that has not been said before. “Land is not better. Free­dom of assembly has not impro­ved,” he said. “There’s been no progress,” he added.

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