The five members of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers arrested after a bloody clash during a strike at the at the Agile Sweater Factory in Kampong Speu last week were released on bail late last night.

According to defence lawyer Ham Sunrith, the CUMW representatives were released on condition that they do not return to the factory to protest before their court hearing, for which a date has yet to be set.

Last Thursday, the five CUMW representatives arrived to support workers who had been striking at the factory since December 24, demanding improved pay and working conditions.

The union members say they were immediately confronted and beaten by 10 people representing a union aligned with the factory.

CUMW president Pav Sina, welcomed the release yesterday, but reiterated his stance that the five were innocent.

“If they do not release them, we will continue to protest,” he said.

The CUMW accuse Sok Ravuth, the head of Agile’s only union, for inciting the violence.

But Ravuth denied the accusations yesterday, saying his representatives were set upon first, and adding that he plans to sue Sina for defamation.