In Cambodia, Soy Sros, a local union president was arrested on 2 April after posting a message on Facebook, commenting on dismissals at the company.

She alleged that her employer "terminated employment contracts of factory workers including a pregnant worker on the ground of lack of raw material due to Covid-19."

IndustriALL's general secretary Valter Sanches said that "Soy Sros was rightfully exercising her freedom of speech to defend the interest of workers laid off by Superl Holdings Ltd. Criminalization of her speech is unacceptable because what she said are mere facts."

He added that "the Cambodian government had expressed its commitment to protect freedom of expression by ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1992. Instead of imprisoning Soy Sros, the Cambodian government should act as a constructive mediator between the company and union."

According to CUWM president Pav Sina, Soy Sros' health is deteriorating while she is being held in the Kompong Speu provincial prison. Sina says that although Sros is receiving medical treatment in prison, she should be released as soon as possible and given access to medical treatment in a hospital.

IndustriALL is urging Superl Holdings to withdraw the police report, allow the immediate release of Soy Sros and to respect trade union rights.

Please add your name to support this important campaign here:

https://www.labourstart.org/go/soy

And please share this message with your friends, family and fellow union members.

Thank you!