Prime Minister Hun Sen meets with CCFC president Theng Savoeun and his colleagues on June 17. SPM
Prime Minister Hun Sen announced his support for the farmers’ advocacy work of Theng Savoeun, president of the Cambodian Farmers’ Community Coalition (CCFC), following a June 16 meeting. Hun Sen encouraged Savoeun to continue his work with the CCFC, with a focus on protecting the rights of workers in the agricultural sector.
The prime minister granted the meeting to Savoeun and two of his two colleagues after they were bailed by the Ratanakkiri Provincial Court.
In mid May, the court arrested Savoeun and his associates, Phan Hach and Nhil Pheap, both senior association officials, and charged them with “conspiracy and incitement.”
The prime minister’s office said he granted the meeting so he could hear about the CCFC’s past activities.
“I’ve seen the benefits that the association has provided to the people of the Kingdom. I asked that they pay particular attention to the protection of workers in the agriculture sector,” said Hun Sen.
He also instructed Minister of Justice Koeut Rith to work with the Ratanakkiri Provincial Court to drop the charges and allow the association to resume its activities as soon as possible.
“The ministry is working with the court, in accordance with legal procedures,” justice ministry spokesman Chin Malin told The Post on June 18.
Savoeun and his colleagues were bailed in late May after he issued a letter and video admitting his wrongdoing regarding the charge of an attempt to incite a “farmers’ revolution”.
All three were arrested following a training course for association staff members in Ratanakkiri province. Local authorities suspected that Savoeun held a secret meeting in a hotel in Banlung town which planned the alleged revolution.
Savoeun declined to comment on June 18, claiming he was busy. However, a day ahead the face-to-face meeting with Hun Sen, he took to social media to discuss the case.
“We have taken a step forward. We are hopeful and remain positive that we will be able to continue making a contribution to helping rural farmers and developing our nation, together,” he wrote.
Pa Chanroeun, social analyst and president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, said allowing the CCFC to resume its work was a positive step, as in the past, the association has provided assistance to many farmers who were in need.
