The Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Friday ordered the release of two men out of the 23 protesters who were arrested last month during violent clashes.

Leang Sam Nath, Phnom Penh Municipal Court's Presiding Judge, ordered the release of the two men in separately written orders to the chief of Trapaing Thlong Correctional Center, where they are all detained.

Am Sam Ath, a senior investigator for the rights group Licadho, said the release was a positive sign for the remaining detainees.

"We hope that the court will continue freeing the others," he said.

The Court of Appeals will hear bail requests for the remaining imprisoned protesters on Tuesday.

Twenty-three protesters were arrested on Jan. 2 and Jan. 3 during violent protests in the capital Phnom Penh by pro- opposition garment workers demanding higher salaries. The protests left four people dead and dozens injured.

Since then, the government has temporarily banned demonstrations in order to restore public security and social order. Endi

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