"Wing Star Shoes Union Leader Sentenced to One Year Imprisonment by  Kampong Speu Court", 20 June 2024

Kampong Speu provincial court sentenced Wing Star Shoes union leader Chea Chan, who was charged with conspiracy to commit theft, to one year imprisonment, ... He will serve six months in jail with another six months suspended…

Yang Sophorn, president of Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions, said she was “deeply disappointed” with the decision and did not expect the court to decide “unjustly”.

She opined that the decision was unfair to Chan, who experienced injustice as he “did not commit the theft”, while those who did were not brought to justice.

“The public views this place [the court] as a place where justice is done, but we didn’t expect the court to deliver a decision like this. It seems like it was influenced by those in power or who are rich.”

The decision showed a lack of freedom of association, Sophorn said, despite the fact that Cambodian law supported the formation of unions, which were in accordance with labor laws and ILO conventions, and other conventions.

… Chan’s wife, Chhay Chanra, 35, told … that she was heartbroken after hearing the verdict, thinking that the “court was a place of justice”, yet the decision was disappointing.

She maintained that her husband did not commit the theft or join others to steal from the company, asserting that he was innocent and should not serve time in prison.

…, Japanese sportswear company ASICS acknowledged the gravity of Chan’s situation, assuring its commitment to uphold labor rights and fair labor practices within the ASICS supply chain. It also expressed their concern for Chan’s health and wellbeing…