Venerable Loun Sovath Violently Detained while Supporting 13 Detained Land Activists
Channel: LICADHO/LICADHO Canada
Date: 2012-05-24

May 24, 2012 - Venerable Loun Sovath was forcibly taken away by religious authorities with the help of nearby police while the monk was supporting a peaceful gathering of Boeung Kak lake villagers in front of the Phnom Penh court. Venerable Sovath was driven to Wat Botum, where he was questioned over his activism by religious leaders. He was threatened with criminal charges unless he signed an agreement that stops him from joining 'protests'. Venerable Sovath signed under duress and was released that evening. The following morning, he publicly denounced the agreement.

The group, including Venerable Sovath, had gathered that morning to support 13 lake representatives who - hours after the monk's removal - were unjustly given prison sentences of 2 and a half years each, some suspended.

http://www.licadho-cambodia.org/pressrelease.php?perm=279

MESSAGE: We've noticed that there have been a number of violent comments made in response to the video. We ask that you channel your anger into positive actions instead. See Amnesty's urgent action: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA23/007/2012/en Thank you.