An environmental activist with Mother Nature was arrested for questioning on Monday in Kandal province after he joined a protest with villagers to demand an end to local sand dredging.
On Monday, more than 100 villagers Roka Kpos and Setbo communes protested at the commune hall to demand local authorities intervene and end sand dredging by the Lang Ching company.
They said the activity is causing their riverbanks to collapse.
Mut Mom, a representative of villagers, said environmental activist Hun Vannak from Mother Nature was arrested by police after he joined the protest.
“The villagers are concerned over the bank collapsing, which effects our homes,” she said.
“Hun Vannak also joined us. After the protest, he was arrested. He always helps the villagers to dare to protest.”
Sun Mala, an official with Mother Nature, posted on his Facebook that Saang district police detained Mr Vannak at 12.30am on Monday.
“The arrest of our activist is a intimidation tactic because he always joins the villagers who are worried about the bank erosion,” he said.
Chhun Sinat, Kandal provincial deputy police chief, could not be reached for comment, but told local media that police only questioned Mr Vannak,and he had not been arrested.
- Tags: Kandal, Lang Ching, Mother Nature, sand dredging
