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Interview With Khemara Sok on Activists Release


Human rights and media activists who have been imprisoned in Prey Sar prison are released Tuesday temporarily on bail after a high U.S. official met with Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Christopher Hill visits Cambodia for the U.S. Embassy inauguration Tuesday.

Mr. Hun Sen promised Mr. Hill earlier that he will write a letter to the court securing the bail for the four men.

Mr. Hun Sen's adviser Om Yentieng told reporters after the meeting of the two statesmen that Cummunity Legal Education Center's director Yeng Virak was free on bail while the others are still detained, which is not right.

The imprisoned critics released on bail are radio journalist Mam Sonando, union leader Rong Chhun, human rights activists kem Sokha, and Pa Nguon Teang, both from the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR).

The International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) officials say that these institutes still monitor the situation with caution.

IRI spokesman says that he is thrilled, and happy for the individuals and their families, but recognizes that the story does not end here.

VOA stringer Tith Sothea went to attend a press release at the CCHR headquarter where some Cambodians gather to welcome the newly released activists. They cheer and lift the activists up as a sign of victory.

The press release was cancelled, because Mr. Kem Sokha made a short statement that this event rarily happens in the world.

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