Many Cats And Few Mice… (John Vink)

Phnom Penh. 8/03/2014: Fences and riot police prevent a public forum organised by labour unions to be held at Freedom Park on International Women's Day.

Many Cats And Few Mice…

A demonstration ban from the Ministry of Interior, a sealed off Freedom Park and the equation of important riot police forces, few workers and a fair amount of observers or journalists (at times larger than the number of workers) showing up at Freedom Park resulted in an informal demonstration/meeting/gathering/protest in the garden adjacent to the park. Many opposition figures, ranging from opposition CNRP co-presidents Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy, to Mam Sonando, Rong Chhun, Ty Savanntha and several others showed up, spoke a few words in the bullhorn and left.

A simultaneous attempt by land rights activists from Borei Keila and Boeung Kak lake, joined by monks from the Independent Monk Network for Social Justice (IMNSJ) attempted to march and deliver a petition to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs -this after all IS International Women’s Day- was thwarted by truckloads of riot police who prevented the group from reaching Monivong boulevard.

Peace prevailed. But the demonstration ban returned…

John Vink | 8 March 2014

Phnom Penh. 8/03/2014: Municipal security guards take a rest after having dispersed onlookers and journalists to prevent a public forum organised by labour unions to be held at Freedom Park on International Women's Day.

hnom Penh. 8/03/2014: Police forces prevent members from Boeung Kak lake and Borei Keila, joined by monks from the Independent Monk Network for Social Justice (IMNSJ) to march to the Ministry of Women's Affairs to deliver a petition on International Women's Day.

Members from Boeung Kak lake and Borei Keila, joined by monks from the Independent Monk Network for Social Justice (IMNSJ)

Police forces prevent members from Boeung Kak lake and Borei Keila, joined by monks from the Independent Monk Network for Social Justice (IMNSJ)

Members from Boeung Kak lake and Borei Keila, joined by monks from the Independent Monk Network for Social Justice (IMNSJ)

Phnom Penh. 8/03/2014: Members from Boeung Kak lake and Borei Keila, joined by monks from the Independent Monk Network for Social Justice (IMNSJ) are prevented by riot police to march to the Ministry of Women's Affairs to deliver a petition on International Women's Day.

Phnom Penh. 8/03/2014: Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association ( CITA), addresses the crowd when authorities prevent a public forum organised by labour unions to be held at Freedom Park on International Women's Day.

Municipal security guards block access to Freedom Park to prevent a public forum

Phnom Penh. 8/03/2014: Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha, co-presidents of the opposition CNRP, after a short supportive visit to workers when authorities prevent a public forum organised by labour unions to be held at Freedom Park on International Women's Day.

Phnom Penh. 8/03/2014: Mam Sonando, director of Beehive radio, addresses the crowd when authorities prevent a public forum organised by labour unions to be held at Freedom Park on International Women's Day.

Phnom Penh. 8/03/2014: Tim Malay, Activist and Union Leader from IDEA addresses the crowd during an alternative public forum as authorities prevented such an event organised by labour unions to be held at Freedom Park on International Women's Day.