Cambodia’s Ministry of Justice and the Cambodian Human Rights Committee have rejected calls for the release of nine former NagaWorld employees detained for their roles in a labor dispute with the casino operator.
According to local media, the rejection comes after Human Rights Watch issued a statement calling for the unconditional release of the nine immediately, claiming authorities were violating the criminal justice system and targeting labor union leaders.
The case has gained international renown, in particular given that the country is ramping up for its parliamentary elections in July.
The main face of the opposition, Chhim Sithar, was arrested in January of last year on charges of “incitement to commit a felony”.
Current charges against Sithar and the other eight employees are for “incitement to cause social chaos”.
