KKF Press Release The Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation, an indigenous organization representing millions of Khmer Krom people in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, as well as Human Rights Watch, a human rights organization are calling for the release and return of Tim Sakhorn to Cambodia without conditions or “probationary detention”. According a report by Human Rights Watch dated 3 July 2008; Tim Sakhorn was last seen leaving with Vietnamese officials after serving prison on 28 June 2008 and has not been seen since. Tim Sakhorn, Cambodian citizen and a Buddhist of Khmer Krom descendent was defrocked on 30 June 2007, deported by Cambodian authorities and later imprisoned in Vietnam for helping Khmer Krom people fleeing Vietnam and for advocating human rights. “Tim Sakhorn’s arrest and deportation were totally unjustified,” Brad Adams said. “He should not have been imprisoned for simply promoting people’s rights or being in contact with an international advocacy organization. Now, ensuring that he is completely free is the priority.” – Extract from Human Rights Watch. It is feared that Tim Sakhorn may be placed under further house arrest and police surveillance, forced to live a life without basic rights or freedom if no action is done to secure his safe return. KKF is appealing to all governments and human rights group, including the government of Cambodia to help investigate the whereabouts of Tim Sakhorn and seek his safe return his family and relatives in Cambodia without any restrictions or conditions imposed by Vietnamese authorities. Yours sincerely, Thach Ngoc Thach KKF President Sources: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2008/07/02/vietna19244_txt.htm
