Release of Cambodian human rights defenders welcomed by OHCHR

The release on bail of five Cambodian human rights defenders who have been detained since April last year, has been welcomed by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR).

OHCHR said in a statement that the release of UN staff member Soen Sally, who had been charged in the same case, was "equally welcome".

Charges were withdrawn formally against him, last week.
Of those freed on bail and awaiting trial, four are senior staff members from the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association, while the other is Deputy Secretary General of the National Election Committee.

OHCHR said that although it was a positive development, it came at a time when the environment for human rights organizations and civil society, was still "giving rise to serious concern" in Cambodia.

OHCHR said there was a lack of evidence and legal reasoning to justify the charges, and said they would be monitoring proceedings closely.

Matt Wells, United Nations/GBC.