Opposition lawmakers appeal for Sin Rozeth's safety

Erin Handley | Publication date 14 February 2018 | 17:31 ICT

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Former CNRP Commune Chief Sin Rozeth (centre) speaks to customers at her restaurant in Battambang, which she started following the party’s dissolution in November. Former CNRP lawmakers today made public letters to international bodies requesting them to ensure Rozeth's safety amid a widespread crackdown on opposition, media and civil society. Facebook

A group of former opposition lawmakers have requested international bodies pressure the government to end the “ongoing harassment” of former Battambang Commune Chief Sin Rozeth.

The letters, filed on February 12 but made public today, were addressed to Special Rapporteur Rhona Smith, the UN Human Rights Committee, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). In them, 13 former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) lawmakers outlined how Rozeth has been subjected to “bullying” by ruling Cambodian People's Party officials, including lawmaker Chheang Vun.

The missives refer to Vun’s “unfounded allegations” that Rozeth, who lost her position and salary after her party was forcibly dissolved, was “conducting political activity” by serving "rebels" at a restaurant she opened following her ouster. The reference to rebels echoes recent comments by ruling party officials, who have accused the remnants of the CNRP – including a nonviolent "movement" recently founded in exile by former party leader Sam Rainsy – of plotting an armed insurrection.

“Given the dire state of democracy and rule of law in Cambodia, as well as the myriad of court cases that are being undertaken against members of the opposition and civil society, we are extremely concerned that these allegations could turn into more serious charges,” the letters read.

Vun declined to comment today.

The ex-lawmakers' letter to CEDAW, meanwhile, points out that the harassment of Rozeth is uniquely concerning given that she was the only female commune chief elected in Battambang.

“In a country where women’s representation and participation in politics still lags, it is all the more important that the government refrain from sending a message that female politicians are vulnerable to harassment and reprisals,” it reads.

All of the letters go on to ask the groups to raise concerns with the National Assembly and ask it to “ensure the safety of Sin Rozeth”.