Trials of 23 Cambodian labor activists resume after delayed twice

PHNOM PENH, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The trials of 23 labor activists and garment workers, who were detained during violent protests four months ago, resumed at Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday after twice adjournments.

The 23 detainees, who are accused of intentionally causing violence and destroying property, were trucked to the court under tight security as about 200 protesters gathered outside the court to demand the detainees' release.

Roads surrounded the court are closed as hundreds of security forces have been deployed.
Meanwhile, some of protesters hurled stones at security forces in a provocative act, however, security forces did not fight back, said eye witnesses, adding that two security forces were injured on head and hand.

The defendants were arrested during the clashes between police and protesters in January when they held violent protests to demand a higher minimum wage of 160 U.S. dollars a month for the garment sector.


The clashes at that time left 4 people dead and dozens injured, and cost garment factories millions of U.S. dollars.

Rights activists said under Cambodian law, the 23 detainees could face up to five years in jail on those charges.