Local rights workers say they fear ongoing protests by the Khmer Krom minority in front of the Vietnamese Embassy could be putting demonstrators at risk of a blacklisting.
Am Sam Ath, lead investigator at the rights group Licadho, told VOA Khmer the Cambodian authorities appear to be searching for Khmer Krom monks, who belong to a minority of Khmer who say they face oppression in southern Vietnam.
“The Khmer Krom monks who have joined demonstrations so far in front of the Vietnam Embassy were blacklisted for arrest,” he said.
Police officials deny the allegations.
At least three monks have been arrested and charged with disturbing public order. One was sentenced to a year in jail and fined $500.
Others are in hiding, like Yin Dara, 32, who told VOA Khmer by phone he was concerned about his safety and that he fears he will be arrested “for no reason.”
