Two Cambodian writers have received awards in recognition of the courage with which they faced political persecution.
Chan Mony and Kong Bun Chhoeun, along with writers from 20 nations, were announced as winners of the prestigious Hellman/Hammett grants from US-based Human Rights Watch.
In 1997 Chan Mony was covering a demonstration against judicial corruption in Phnom Penh by the opposition Sam Rainsy Party when his left eye was pierced by shrapnel and his right leg broken during a grenade attack. Kong Bun Chhoeun, a novelist, is in exile after writing a controversial novel, “Destiny of Marina” or “Acid-laced Vengeance,” which features an acid attack on a karaoke singer.
“I am extremely satisfied with this being awarded,” Chan Mony said. “This is the biggest encouragement that they offered to recognize what I had done in my journalism.”
He said that he shared the honor with his family and all Cambodians who are hungry for democracy and freedom of the press. The human rights group presents the grants each year to writers who have been targets of “political persecution.”
The amount of money accompanying each award has not yet been announced.
