Cambodia garment workers’ strike turns deadly

Loading

At least four Cambodians were killed when police opened fire on striking garment workers, as opposition-backed protesters pressed their calls for wages to be doubled. 

An Associated Press photographer and human rights workers said police fired assault rifles on Friday, after several hundred workers blocking a road south of the capital Phnom Penh began burning tires and throwing objects at them. Several wounded workers could be seen after the shots were fired.

Phnom Penh deputy police commissioner Chuon Narinhas said that four people have been killed.

The local human rights group LICADHO also said in a statement that at least four civilians were shot dead and 21 injured in what it described as “the worst state violence against civilians to hit Cambodia in 15 years.”

The local human rights group LICADHO said in a statement that at least four civilians were shot dead and 21 injured in what it described as “the worst state violence against civilians to hit Cambodia in 15 years.”

The statement said that security forces used live ammunition to shoot directly at civilians.

“The use of live ammunition was prolonged and no efforts appear to have been made to prevent death and serious injury,” it said.

“Reports suggest that security forces were also injured after being hit with stones.”

It was not clear whether those killed were workers or local residents who had joined in the protest.

“They are anarchists, they have destroyed private and state property,” Chuon Narin, the deputy police chief, told the Associated Press news agency by phone. “That is why our forces need to chase them out.”

About 500,000 Cambodians are employed in the garment industry, which is worth $5bn a year to the economy in exports. The government has offered $100 as a minimum monthly wage, short of a $160 wage pledged by the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party.

The clash comes a day after Cambodian soldiers forcefully quelled a demonstration, a turning point after two weeks of relatively peaceful strikes, marches and demonstrations in Cambodia. 

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party has called for Prime Minister Hun Sen to step down, and for new elections. Hun Sen has rejected the demands.

Hun Sen won elections last July that extended his 28-year rule, but protesters led by opposition head Sam Rainsy accuse him of rigging the vote. 

Although the wage and election issues are not directly linked, Cambodia’s opposition has had long and close ties with the country’s labour movement

 
Last updated: 03 Jan 2014 14:12

 
 

At least four Cambodians were killed when police opened fire on striking garment workers, as opposition-backed protesters pressed their calls for wages to be doubled. 

An Associated Press photographer and human rights workers said police fired assault rifles on Friday, after several hundred workers blocking a road south of the capital Phnom Penh began burning tires and throwing objects at them. Several wounded workers could be seen after the shots were fired.

 
Cambodia garment workers’ strike turns deadly

Phnom Penh deputy police commissioner Chuon Narinhas said that four people have been killed.

The local human rights group LICADHO also said in a statement that at least four civilians were shot dead and 21 injured in what it described as “the worst state violence against civilians to hit Cambodia in 15 years.”

The local human rights group LICADHO said in a statement that at least four civilians were shot dead and 21 injured in what it described as “the worst state violence against civilians to hit Cambodia in 15 years.”

The statement said that security forces used live ammunition to shoot directly at civilians.

“The use of live ammunition was prolonged and no efforts appear to have been made to prevent death and serious injury,” it said.

“Reports suggest that security forces were also injured after being hit with stones.”

It was not clear whether those killed were workers or local residents who had joined in the protest.

“They are anarchists, they have destroyed private and state property,” Chuon Narin, the deputy police chief, told the Associated Press news agency by phone. “That is why our forces need to chase them out.”

About 500,000 Cambodians are employed in the garment industry, which is worth $5bn a year to the economy in exports. The government has offered $100 as a minimum monthly wage, short of a $160 wage pledged by the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party.

The clash comes a day after Cambodian soldiers forcefully quelled a demonstration, a turning point after two weeks of relatively peaceful strikes, marches and demonstrations in Cambodia. 

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party has called for Prime Minister Hun Sen to step down, and for new elections. Hun Sen has rejected the demands.

Hun Sen won elections last July that extended his 28-year rule, but protesters led by opposition head Sam Rainsy accuse him of rigging the vote. 

Although the wage and election issues are not directly linked, Cambodia’s opposition has had long and close ties with the country’s labour movement.

Source:
Al Jazeera and agencies
 
Email Article

Print Article

Share article

Send Feedback

Topics in this article
People
Country
City
Organisation
 
 
 
Featured on Al Jazeera
 
PM faces first real test of political strength in 16 years as opposition grows increasingly bold.

 
Amnesty International says government forces are responsible for “a shocking catalogue of abuses” in secret jails.

 
Look back at the biggest news stories of the year by dragging on this timeline and clicking on dates for more.

 
As the government arrests Al Jazeera journalists, we ask if it signals a greater crackdown against dissenting voices.

 

 

Hide Comments

Content on this website is for general information purposes only. Your comments are provided by your own free will and you take sole responsibility for any direct or indirect liability. You hereby provide us with an irrevocable, unlimited, and global license for no consideration to use, reuse, delete or publish comments, in accordance with Community Rules & Guidelines and Terms and Conditions.

 

Related
PM faces first real test of political strength in 16 years as opposition grows increasingly bold. ( 01-Jan-2014 )

Featured
US Secretary of State John Kerry wants to revive peace talks following Israel’s release of some prisoners.

After coming to power promising to end an insurgency in the Caucasus, Putin faces another round of deadly attacks

Marred by an opposition boycott, 92 million people are eligible to help choose a new parliament.

Thailand’s navy has accused journalists of defamation after a report alleged it helped human traffickers.

Festival in impoverished mountain city aims to diffuse youth frustration through music and art.

 

 

join our mailing list

 

 


Related Articles

Denied work permit, 500,000 foreigners working illegally in Turkey

Loading

?SA YAZAR  ANKARA   Many Chinese workers are employed by Turkish mine and construction companies because they will work for

Lebanon: Judiciary Failing to Protect Domestic Workers

Loading

  A Sri Lankan woman washes the windows of her employers’ home in Beirut. © 2010 Matthew Cassel/KAFA Indifference, Lengthy

Ireland: No Longer Homes – Only (Bank) Assets Now?

Loading

Thus  “vulture” funds have come to be recognised (despised?) as a relatively recent feature in the ongoing capitalist ‘revolution’ that has replaced the 20th century

No comments

Write a comment
No Comments Yet! You can be first to comment this post!

Write a Comment