Cambodian union leader released from prison, continues casino strike
Date: 2024-09-16 Author: Alex Crawford Categories: CASINO
A Cambodian union leader who led the country’s largest strike has been released after serving a two-year sentence. Chhim Sitar, chairwoman of the NagaWorld Khmer Workers’ Rights Support Union (LRSU), was sentenced in May 2023 for inciting a crime.
Sitar’s conviction stems from her role in a major strike against the NagaWorld casino. The strike followed mass layoffs amid economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sitar, who led the protests, claimed the layoffs were illegal and demanded the reinstatement of all dismissed workers.
Released after two years in prison
Chhim Sitar was released from prison this week after serving her two-year sentence. Cambodian human rights organization LICADHO confirmed her release, saying it happened around 4:30 a.m. Monday. Prison officials handed Sitar over to her family.
LICADHO noted that the LRSU union had initiated the longest strike in the country's history. The protests have not been without violent incidents, including physical abuse and threats. The rights organization stressed that the Cambodian authorities are continuing their efforts to suppress the protests. However, despite the pressure, the strike in Phnom Penh continues.
"Chhim Sitar and other LRSU members are leading the longest strike in Cambodia's history to protest mass layoffs at NagaWorld casinos during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite constant pressure from the government, including sexual harassment, physical violence and legal action, the strike continues," LICADHO said in a statement.
Sithar to Continue Fighting for Workers' Rights
In an interview with the Associated Press, Chhim Sitar reiterated her commitment to continuing to fight for NagaWorld workers' rights. She said the strike will continue until the issue is resolved.
"Our position has been the same since the strike began: we will continue until we achieve a solution to restore union rights at NagaWorld," she said.
Despite threats and potential legal repercussions, and years since the conflict began, many workers have yet to receive compensation. "Until justice is achieved, our struggle will continue," Sitar added.
In early 2022, Sitar was arrested and in May 2023, she was convicted along with other LRSU members. In October 2023, the Cambodian Court of Appeal upheld her sentence, and in early 2024, the country's Supreme Court finally approved Chhim Sitar's prison sentence.
