Human rights group calls for re-investigation of environmentalist’s death

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) – The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) appealed to authority to re-investigate the death of environmentalist Chhut Wutty who were killed in Koh Kong province. 

“In order to ensure that justice is served, that the judiciary can salvage some credibility, and, most importantly, that the Cambodian people are reassured that the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) is willing and able to tackle the existing culture of impunity, CCHR urges the authorities to reopen the case and ensure that a full, transparent and independent investigation is allowed to proceed”, CCHR said in its statement released on Saturday.  

The Cambodia’s foremost environmental and anti- logging activist was fatally shot dead as he, accompanied by two journalists from The Cambodia Daily, was trying to restart his car, following a heated stand-off with military police and representatives of logging company Timber Green. 

National Police spokesman Keng Tito said that the authorities may not review the investigation result conducted in 2012 by National Committee because there was nothing which should be further investigated. 

The Koh Kong Provincial Court declared the case closed on October 4, 2012 after it found out that military police In Rattana, who was alleged shooter of Chhut Wutty, was also shot dead on the scene.