Cambodia - EU calls for independent probe on Cambodia fatal shootings

The European Union (EU) has called for an independent probe into shootings in a remote area of Koh Kong, south Cambodia last week in when an environmental activist and a military policeman died.

In a statement approved by EU heads of mission in Cambodia, the EU Delegation said it was "deeply concerned" about the incident which occurred on Thursday last week.

"The EU Delegation calls for a speedy, robust and independent investigation of this case which casts a shadow over the government's and civil society's efforts to curtail illegal logging in the country," said the statement issued yesterday.

It added that the EU "remains concerned about the violence surrounding the protection of natural resources in Cambodia."

While welcoming recent government declarations to combat illegal activities to extract resources from protected forests and areas, "the EU urges the government to strengthen its efforts in this regard," the statement said.

The statement bemoaned Cambodia's  increased use of force including firearms. It urged the government to take "all necessary measures to protect persons in Cambodia who seek to advocate peacefully for all legitimate causes, including the protection of the invaluable natural resources."

A military investigation initially said the two appeared to have "shot each other" but later the military said the policeman fired first and then committed suicide.

Two Cambodia Daily reporters were with activist Chut Wutty and a military policeman in Rattana when it happened. They said the two had been arguing but that they did not see who fired the shots.

Military police have since formed an inter-ministerial committee led by Penal Department Police Chief Mak Chito to investigate the shootings.

The committee also includes the General Commissariat of National Police, the Royal Military Police and the Press and Quick Reaction Unit of the Council of Ministers.

News Desk

Rasmei Kampuchea Daily

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