An Open Letter in Support of David Pred
Feb 1st, 2009 by Jinja
Letter:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=69319195624&topic=7504
Update: now at http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/freevoicecambodia/
Update: response from David Pred:
I appreciate the support from those who wrote the letter and have signed the petition, but let’s be clear that this is not about me. I may have been singled out this time, but the message is clearly being sent to all who dare to speak the truth and call injustice by its name. The City Hall statement, and the radio talk show and television interviews that have aired in the last few days that accuse human rights organizations of inciting communities and defaming the authorities, are common tactics used to silence community activists and local organizations who are advocating against land-grabbing and forced displacement across the country. We must demand the expansion of the democratic space in Cambodia to allow for discussion, debate and expression of critical views. We must demand that the civil and political rights of land and housing rights defenders be respected and protected. And we should direct our support and our admiration toward the community activists and network leaders who stand up for justice and human rights and take far greater risks than me. I merely risk my visa when I speak out; these men and women risk their liberty and lives in pursuit of justice in Pursat and Kampot and Preah Vihear. They are routinely subjected to harassment, intimidation and violence. They have been arrested and falsely charged. Some, like Chea Vichea, have even been murdered for their defense of human rights. Chan Vichet is one such hero. He has led the Dey Krahorm community in their struggle to have their land, housing and property rights respected by the government and private sector. While leading this struggle, Vichet has rejected numerous attempts to buy him off. He has withstood threats upon his life and false prosecution by the courts. And he has stood up not only for the rights of his fellow community members, but also for other threatened communities. Vichet inspires us all to stand up for justice and human rights. On Wednesday, Feb 11 Vichet will stand trial for incitement to commit violence and destruction of property, charges dating back to 2007. I wonder if the irony will be lost on the judge. Or will his sympathy for this man, who has already lost his home and property defending the rights of his community, be more influential than the powerful men who direct his verdicts, and prevent him from cruelly taking away Vichet’s liberty as well? Let us honor Chan Vichet and send him our solidarity and support from every corner of the globe as he defends the rights of his community. And for those of us in Cambodia, let’s pack the courtroom on Wednesday! In solidarity, David
Group URL: http://tinyurl/cambodiaevictionsupdate
