The Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), a coalition of 17 local Human Rights NGOs, deplores the killing of Mr. Ros Sovanareth, representative of the Free Trade Union of workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia ( FTUWKC) and the president of Trinunggal Komara Factory Union. Ros Sovanareth was shot dead on May 7, 2004, on Kampuchea Krom boulevard, Sangkat Tek Laok, Khan Touk Kok, Phnom Penh. CHRAC sends its condolences to the family's victim.

"This is the second killing of a union leader this year, while the perpetrators who killed Chea Vichea, the president of the Free Trade Union association, have not been found" said Dr. Kek Galabru, the Chairperson of CHRAC and President of Licadho, adding that "this event intimidates the people and aggravates the political atmosphere."

Mr. Thun Saray, CHRAC member and president of ADHOC, emphasized that the culture of impunity and government's lack of ability to bring the perpetrators to justice, encourages hired killers and anarchic killings in Phnom Penh.

According to CHRAC's investigation, Ros Sovanareth, aged 42, was shot dead at 3:45 PM whilst driving home from his factory in Toek Thla. The two perpetrators drove a black motorcycle 2003 C-125, shot the victim twice. They did not take any material from the victim after the killing.

CHRAC condemns this cowardly murder and appeals to the government authorities to vigorously investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.

For more information, please contact:
▪ Dr. Kek Galabru, Chairperson of CHRAC at 012 940 645
▪ Mr. Thun Saray, President of ADHOC at 016 880509
▪ Mr. Sok Sam Oeun. Chairperson of the CHRAC Sub-Committee on Legislation, Executive Director of CDP at 012 901 199

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