NagaWorld Strike Ringleader Chhim Sithar's Prison Term Confirmed on Appeal
Cambodia is keeping the jail sentences and convictions for eight people linked to the Labor Rights Supported Union (LRSU) of Khmer Employees of the NagaWorld casino, in spite of requests from human rights advocates.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court originally issued the sentences, which the accused later appealed. One of them is Chhim Sithar, the union leader and president of the LRSU, who remains in prison.
The dispute revolves around the labor activities of the LRSU and its heads, who have been pressuring for employee rights in the NagaWorld casino for a while. The case has sparked questions about worker rights and freedom of expression in Cambodia.
Upholding the convictions has sparked conversations about Cambodia's labor rights and judicial system. Human rights campaigners and organizations are following the situation, stressing the significance of a just legal procedure.
Moving into the Supreme Court, the result of the appeal will have consequences for the individuals and Cambodia's labor rights situation. If they succeed, Cambodian authorities might be charged with illegal detainment and violations of the country's constitution.
The NagaWorld protests, which have mostly been peaceful, carry on. Despite the casino showing strong financial growth, they show no interest in speaking with the workers.
Prison Terms
Sithar was sentenced to two years in prison for disturbing the peace and probation violation.
Sithar has been detained in Phnom Penh's jail since November 26, 2022. The decision to keep the convictions has persuaded at least six codefendants to take their case to the Supreme Court of Cambodia.
Sokhorn, Sopheap, Soben, Srey Pich, and Sereymeas were given 18 months of incarceration. These individuals are now free on parole, awaiting their trials' outcomes. Sovandy and Narith received a one-year suspension.
NagaWorld Strike Chronology
In April 2021, NagaCorp fired 1,329 workers from the NagaWorld casino due to pandemic-related financial difficulties. Many union members were among those fired.
In December 2021, LRSU started organizing frequent rallies in Phnom Penh. Their demands were reinstating the terminated employees and safeguarding their labor rights. The protests have been characterized by police force, arrests, and harassment, even sexual harassment towards female protesters.
Sithar was arrested by police officers during a strike orchestrated by LRSU on January 4, 2022. She was charged with "incitement," confined until her bail was granted in late February.
On November 26, Sithar was detained by police at Phnom Penh International Airport when she returned from a trip to Australia. She had traveled there to partake in the International Trade Union Confederation World Conference.
As she returned to court, Cambodia accused her of infringing her probation by going abroad. Neither Sithar nor her legal representatives had been notified of any such restrictions beforehand. A request they made to examine the judicial order was denied.
With her having twice traveled abroad following bail release without problems, she was imprisoned again. Her detention is now permanent, with authorities declaring her a risk to peace and tranquility.
Read also:
- The discontinuation of SVolt would significantly affect Saarland.
- Hamburg celebrates the vibrant, noisy, and piercing Schlagermove with enthusiasm and excitement.
- Tornado warning: Storm hits the Elbe area
- Upcoming challenges loom large for Tuchel as season ends.
Source: www.casino.org
