The Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU)'s local union leader was charged with conspiracy to commit theft after he was unanimously voted by workers as the in-house union leader in Wing Star Shoes. CATU demands that Kampong Speu Provincial Court drop the criminal charge against Chea Chan, union president of Wing Star Shoes, and release him. CATU alleged that Chan’s arrest was related to the abuse of the judiciary to stifle his freedom of association. Chan’s case was to be heard on April 29 but was postponed to an undetermined date in May. It was learnt that the prosecution witnesses did not appear in court.

ASICS, Japanese brand sourcing from the factory, acknowledge the gravity of CATU's union local union's situation and commit to upholding labor rights and fair labor practices within our supply chain. ASICS said they are monitoring closely the case.