Police Shut Down Chicken-Raising Workshop in Svay Rieng
Published on 17 September 2018
Police in Svay Rieng shut down a workshop on chicken farming held by a national farmers’ association on Monday morning claiming that it had not been approved by local authorities.
The Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community (CCFC) had organised the training workshop on ecological chicken-raising for 30 families in Romeas Hek district and said it had correctly informed commune and village authorities.
Local authorities have shut down about a dozen gatherings organised by the CCFC over the last year, including training workshops, a community development forum and an International Womens’ Day celebration, claiming the group had failed to obtain permission. It was the second time a chicken-raising workshop was shut down in Romeas Hek district.
The CCFC supports farmers’ efforts to improve their livelihoods and advocate for their interests and has been repeatedly targeted as part of a crackdown on civil society.
In March, police questioned CCFC staff in Takeo province on alleged links to the Cambodia National Rescue Movement, a group set up by members the former opposition CNRP in exile overseas. In April, an op-ed in government-aligned Fresh News accused the group and its president, Theng Savoeun, of orchestrating “colour revolution” activities.
