"Union Leader Morm Rithy Convicted for Criticizing Chinese-owned Jin Bei Casino Two Years Ago", 8 May 2024

Union leader Morm Rithy was arrested after being convicted on charges of incitement to commit a crime following a lawsuit by Chinese-owned Jin Bei Group and has been sent to Prey Sar prison where he will serve an 18-month sentence.

Rithy, president of Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation (CTSWF) and vice president of Cambodian Labor Confederation (CLC), and two officers were picked up from the office in Meanchey district, Phnom Penh …, said Phnom Penh Municipal police spokesperson Sam Vichhika. However, the two officers were released later.

“The court ordered him [Rithy] to be placed in Prey Sar prison yesterday [Tuesday],” he said.

A statement issued by CLC decried the conviction, passed in absentia against Rithy, calling it “unreasonable” and “intimidating”, and a form of harassment of the rights of employee representatives.

Rithy had previously stated in a post on Facebook that he had “lost faith in the court’s decision” after a casino worker was charged for allegedly committing a crime in 2022.

According to CLC, Rithy was expressing his opinion on social media regarding the labor dispute with Jin Bei Group at the time.

…, Rithy was convicted in absentia under Articles 494, 495 and 523 of the Criminal Code by Phnom Penh Municipal Court. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for inciting and discrediting the judicial decision, and fined two million riel ($500)…

… Touch Kosal, president of Cambodia Tourism Workers’ Union Federation, urged the court to release Rithy, as the arrest affects the freedom of Cambodian unions…