The Cambodian Center for Human Rights urged Prime Minister Hun Sen Friday to remove the governor of Svay Rieng town from his position, following accusations his police threatened to shoot villagers opposed to the development of a rubber plantation.
On Thursday, villagers said police fired shots at the ground near them as they tried to prevent bulldozers from razing their land, which they claimed was stolen by a devious rubber plantation owner working in collusion with local authorities.
CCHR Director Ou Vireak said he issued a letter to Hun Sen requesting the removal of Governor Mao Vireak, who should be held responsible.
"If the government is willing to find a solution," he said, "it should allow a forum for the expression of opinions and an investigation leading to the removal of this position."