One of five villagers arrested in a land dispute with politically connected company KDC International told the Post after their release on Friday that he would keep protesting “until our community obtains a resolution from the government”.

“Now we are preparing to submit the petitions to the relevant state departments and international organisations, such as the European Union and other embassies in Phnom Penh,” Sngoun Nhoeun explained.

He added that he was ordered to sign a contract promising to stop demonstrating against KDC before being released.

Nhoeun and two other villagers, Srun Tha and Kuch Hok, were arrested during a peaceful march to Phnom Penh last month, while another two, Mang Yav and Seang Heng, were arrested over a violent clash in July with KDC construction workers.

The five were released on bail thanks to a personal guarantee from ruling Cambodian People’s Party lawmaker for Kampong Chhnang province Ker Chanmony.