Phnom Penh (FN), June 19 - At least 20 former staff, representing the 32 former employees fired by the US Embassy Phnom Penh in April 2018, claimed Tuesday that the dismiss was premeditated, as it was not reasonable at all.

One of the staff told the press that they were deeply hurt by the US Embassy’s act by taking a porn photo in a private group messenger to pressure and dismiss staff unjustly.

“I am deeply hurt for the unjust and baseless act of the US as a major democratic country respecting human rights,” said Long Seng Kimhong, former staff who has served the embassy for almost 20 years.

It is even worse when the embassy official said that the dismiss will make them foodless, he added saying it offended Khmer people.

“The dismiss is premeditated. They fired us without clear evidences”, said another staff.

The 32 former US embassy staff who have individually worked for the embassy from 5 to 20 years demanded (1) justice from the forced and baseless dismiss; (2) a change of term from "dismiss" to "reduced employee"; (3) compensation for the defamation and violation of dignity due to the baseless accusations; and (4) granting rights for Khmer employee association to solve remaining problems that are unfair and unjust, as stated in law on the employment book.

In addition, they complained on (1) the violations of personal rights by confiscating their phones to check photos and other documents and keep for a while; (2) defamation and violation of dignity due to the baseless accusations; and (3) total the 12% bonus fund which has been missed for three months.

These former staff have submitted petitions to Cambodian Ministry of Labor, Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Cabinet, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the assistance and justice. They hold non-violence protests and a press conference from 8 a.m to 11 a.m today. They informed that they will continue to do so until achieving solutions.
=FRESH NEWS