Phnom Penh communities will hold a religious ceremony and candlelight vigil this evening in Boeung Kak to mark two years since the prominent land activist and human rights defender Tep Vanny was imprisoned.

Tep Vanny was arrested on 15 August 2016 and charged during a peaceful protest supporting five jailed human rights defenders. She was subsequently found guilty of “insulting a public official” and sentenced to six days in prison. While she was detained, three long dormant cases related to other peaceful protests were reactivated.

The single mother of two is currently serving a 30 month sentence. This evening's ceremony will mark her two years in jail and call for her release.

Last year, several hundred community representatives were joined by other civil society groups and international observers at a vigil calling for her release. Boeung Kak Lake community members also delivered petitions to embassies and international organisations.

Event details:

Venue: #181 b, Street 86, Village 22, Sangkat Srah Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh.

Time: From 5pm

Contacts: Chan Puthisak: 012 910 023, Bov Sophea: 085 462 222