Watch the shocking video of the attacks (courtesy of Licadho-Cambodia).
The workers were protesting against the dismissal of 45 bus drivers, reportedly after their attempts to form a union.
In his letter to H E Heng Sour, head of the labour minister’s cabinet, ITF general secretary Steve Cotton said: “The ITF understands that the protesting bus drivers and their supporters were beaten up on 6 February, allegedly by members of the Cambodia for Confederation Development Association (CCDA), and that a bus driver and a tuk-tuk driver – Nan Vanna and Ruos Siphay - were arrested during the violent attack. The two men were charged with aggravated intentional violence, obstructing public officials and obstructing a public road, and were sent to CC1 prison on 8 February. Four union leaders have also been charged with the same offences, although they have not yet been detained.
“In the meantime, supporters have gathered outside the court to call for the release of the two men. ITF affiliate the Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA) has also shown solidarity outside the court.
“Such actions in response to legitimate protest action seriously violate fundamental workers’ rights, as enshrined in the Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO).”
Cotton asks Sour’s office to make “an urgent intervention to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the two detained workers, the withdrawal of charges made against the six men, and the implementation of an independent investigation into the violent attacks”.
Read the statement issue by Cambodia’s civil society organisations.
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