By Mr. Samon Thach On Sunday morning of April 1, 2007, members of the Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation Chapter of Washington State held a special prayer ceremony for Venerable Eang Sok Thoeun, found murdered in a temple located in Kandal province, Cambodia late February.
Wat Chantarangsey, Tacoma, Washington While his death remains controversial, human rights groups have claimed that his death was likely to be politically related. Venerable Eang Sok was amongst fifty Cambodian monks participating in a peaceful demonstration near the Vietnamese embassy in Cambodia against the religious prosecution of Khmer Krom Buddhist monks in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The ceremony in Washington States was held at Wat Chantarangsey, Tacoma, Washington. Guests from the State of Oregon also drove hundred of miles to pay their respects for Venerable Eang Sok Thoeun. Representatives from KKF and the community took the opportunity to express their condolences and have pledged to help find justice for His Venerable Sok Thoeun. Amongst the distinguished guests was Mr. Chau Reap, an advisor for KKF gave words of encouragement to community members and especially to the younger generation to help support the Khmer Krom causes.
