Ouk Pich Samnang
Ouk Pich Samnang was protesting land evictions outside the Prime Minister’s house with 100 other local residents when he was arrested in October 2014. He was later charged with violence with aggravating circumstances, obstructing the work of authorities, damaging public property and participating in criminal association. He was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay damages to the police.
Ouk Pich Samnang had already been sentenced to seven years in prison alongside 11 other activists, who were all convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for leading and participating in the alleged “insurrection” at a local park, Freedom Park, during post-election demonstrations in July 2014. Samnang said that his presence at the demonstrations was to demand the opening of the park, which is a prominent symbol of free expression in Cambodia. Both of his convictions were upheld in two separate appeals in Cambodian courts.
After languishing in prison for four years, he was released by a royal pardon from King Norodom Sihamoni in August 2014. Despite his release, he and his wife have struggled to come up with the funds to pay for his court ordered fines, and are unable to pay for their son’s funeral.
Crimes: Intentional violence and causing damage to public property
Imprisonment: Four years (sentenced to nine, then pardoned)