SRP to distribute Vichea film

A man uses a video camera to record a showing of the film Who Killed Chea Vichea? at the Sam Rainsy Party headquarters in Phnom Penh yesterday. Photo by: Pha Lina

MONDAY, 02 MAY 2011
MEAS SOKCHEA AND MARY KOZLOVSKI
The Phnom Penh Post

Meas Narin, 33, garment factory worker

“For me, it is important [to screen the film].

“Chea Vichea tried his best to help people. Sometimes factory bosses mistreat the workers but Chea Vichea helped the workers.

“It is important for the film to show who may have killed him.”

Pheng Chou, 39, a union president

“I felt bad when Chea Vichea was killed.

“Chea Vichea taught me that May 1 is an interesting day for the workers. He, together with Sam Rainsy, always said this is an important day for workers.

“In Cambodia, people can use the law to mistreat workers, to mistreat victims, to abuse the land and abuse workers”

Chan Rath, 30, accountant

“I came to watch the film because I wanted to know the truth.

“Before I was afraid, I didn’t want to come here. After watching this film, I think that maybe there are high-ranking officials involved in Chea Vichea’s murder.

“In our country, it is difficult to find justice. If you have money, you can find justice.”

LAWMAKERS from the Sam Rainsy Party plan to distribute copies of a controversial documentary about the murder of labour leader Chea Vichea, the Khmer-language version of which premiered yesterday at SRP headquarters in Phnom Penh.

SRP lawmaker Mu Sochua said at the screening, which drew a crowd of more than 100 people yesterday, that the party would distribute copies of the film to “whoever wants it” for a token 500 riel (US$0.12).

“We will make thousands of copies, people are asking me for copies… and we will make them because the people have to come out of this level of fear,” Mu Sochua said.