Trial of Cambodian labor activists ends, verdict expected on May 30

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, May 22, 2014
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The trial of 23 labor activists and garment workers, who were arrested during violent protests four months ago, came to an end Thursday night after a three-day hearing.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court's Presiding Judge Keo Mony said a verdict for the defendants will be announced on May 30 at 8:00 a.m.

The 23 detainees are accused of inciting violence and destroying property during clashes between police and protesters in January when violent protests were held to demand a higher minimum wage of 160 U.S. dollars a month for garment workers.

The clashes at that time left 4 people dead and dozens injured, and cost garment factories millions of U.S. dollars.

Heavy security forces had been deployed around the court on Thursday as dozens of protesters gathered outside the court to demand the defendants' release.

Am Sam Ath, a senior investigator for the rights group Licadho, which provided legal aid to some of the defendants, said that with those charges, the 23 detainees could face jail terms between 2 and 5 years. Endi

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