Rights group
accuses Cambodian police of hitting asylum seekers
ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia
27.7.2005
The
American-based organisation, Human Rights Watch, has condemned what it says was
Cambodian police brutality during the forced repatriation of scores of
Vietnamese hills tribe people.
A group of 94
ethnic minority Montagnards from Vietnam's central highlands were deported from
Cambodia on July 20 after their refugee status claims were rejected by the
United Nations.
They were among hundreds who had fled Vietnam alleging religious persecution and
confiscation of their lands.
Human Rights Watch says dozens of armed Cambodian riot police slapped and beat
the asylum seekers with batons, dragging several people by the hair and forcing
them on to waiting buses.
The organisation has called for an independent investigation and punishment for
those who authorised or used excessive force during the operation.
The United States has expressed concern over the repatriation of Montagnards and
a coalition of prominent Cambodia groups has also condemned the police actions.
Vietnam has said that the returnees would not be punished for "illegally"
leaving the communist country.
Montagnards began fleeing to Cambodia after security forces crushed
demonstrations in 2001.