Group urges probe into attack on young Cambodian activist
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A leading international environmental and human rights group has called on the Cambodian government to investigate an attack on a young forest activist who was slashed with a machete while she slept in a hammock after patrolling for illegal loggers.
Global Witness said the 23-year-old Phan Sopheak was injured on her feet in the March 26 attack by unidentified perpetrators in Kratie province. Phan Sophek is a member of the Prey Lang Community Network, a grassroots movement in northeastern Cambodia.
Kratie province deputy police chief Oum Phy said Tuesday that police were investigating the case and that the attacker had not been found.
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Josie Cohen of Global Witness said members of Cambodia's political and business elite routinely flout forest protection laws and pillage them for valuable timber.