Erika Piñeros | Photography

Factory collapses killing two

EP — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:20:47 +0000

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

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Rescue teams search through the rubble for survivors after a building collapsed at Wing Star shoe factory killing two. ©Erika Pineros

Rescue teams search for survivors after a building collapsed at Wing Star shoe factory killing two. ©Erika Pineros

Rescue teams search through the rubble for survivors after a building collapsed at Wing Star shoe factory killing two. ©Erika Pineros

Cambodian armed forces clear the rubble after a factory building collapsed leaving two dead. ©Erika Pineros

Cambodian armed forces clear the area in precaution for any further collapsing in a factory building, which collapsed killing two. ©Erika Pineros

Cambodian armed forces search through the rubble for survivors after a building collapsed at Wing Star shoe factory killing two. ©Erika Pineros

Wing Star shoe factory sources Japanese brand Asics. Shoe soles and tags are seeing on the rubble after a building collapsed killing two. ©Erika Pineros

A staff from the Japanese paramedical organization JPR gauges the situation after a building collapsed at a shoe factory killing two. ©Erika Pineros

Family and friends mourn the death of 22 year-old Reom Soroun, one of two factory workers who died after a building collapsed at Wing Star shoe factory . ©Erika Pineros

Reom Soroun, 22, died after a building collapsed at his factory, leaving his wife and newborn baby behind. ©Erika Pineros

Family and friends mourn the death of 22 year-old Reom Soroun, one of two factory workers who died after a building collapsed at Wing Star shoe factory . ©Erika Pineros

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Land rights activist Yorm Bopha is denied bail

EP — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:24:21 +0000

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

The Supreme Court denied bail to prisoner of conscience Yorm Bopha convicted in 2012 of intentional violence, sentenced to three years in prison and fined US$7,500. Human rights monitors believe Bopha has been targeted for her activism.

To read Licadho’s press release click here.

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Demonstrators at a peaceful demonstration in support of Yorm Bopha outside the Supreme Court in Phnom Penh. ©Erika Pineros

Land rights activist Yorm Bopha and son wait for the court’s decision. Bopha has been imprisoned since September 2012. ©Erika Pineros

Land rights activist Yorm Bopha shouts ‘struggle’ to her supporters at the Supreme Court in Phnom Penh. ©Erika Pineros

Land rights activist Yorm Bopha shouts ‘struggle, struggle’ as she leaves the Supreme Court after begin denied bail. ©Erika Pineros

Bopha’s supporters burn the scale of justice, symbolically used during demonstrations, after finding out Bopha’s bail was denied by the Supreme Court. ©Erika Pineros

Supporters protest the court’s decision to deny bail to land rights activist Yorm Bopha. ©Erika Pineros

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To see related posts:

Activist Tep Vanny to receive award | Walking in & out | With Obama’s help…

Activist Tep Vanny to receive human rights award in Washington D.C.

EP — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 05:44:45 +0000

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

Land and human rights activist Tep Vanny started her journey yesterday to Washington D.C where she will receive the Vital Voices Global Leadership in Public Life Award.

Vanny is one of the most prominent leaders of the controversial Boeung Kak community, whose members regularly take to the streets of Phnom Penh to protest against forced evictions and to demand real solutions to their problems.

In 2007, the Boeung Kak area was granted for commercial and housing development on a US$79 million, 99-year lease to Shukaku Inc.—headed by a senator of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

About the Award

“The Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards honor and celebrate women leaders around the world who are the unsung heroines working to strengthen democracy, increase economic opportunity, and protect human rights.”

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Tep Vanny, at a demonstration in front of the Appeal Court, demands Bopha and Sakmony’s release after over 2 months of their detention. Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Nov 07 2012. ©Erika Pineros

Tep Vanny protests as she finds out fellow activist and friend Yorm Bopha was sentenced to three years in jail. Dec 12 2012. ©Erika Pineros

Tep Vanny at the home cleaning a poster of Hillary Clinton before a demonstration in Phnom Penh. Nov 19 2012. ©Erika Pineros

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Boeung Kak’s prominent leader and land rights activist Tep Vanny says good-bye to fellow demonstrators at Pochentong International airport in Phnom Penh. Mar 20 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Boeung Kak community members join Tep Vanny at the airport before her journey to receive The Vital Voices Global Leadership Award. Mar 20 2013. ©Erika Pineros

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Sonando & co-defendants – conditional Freedom

EP — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:04:41 +0000

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

Four days after human rights defender and journalist Mam Sonando was released, co-defendants Touch Ream, Khan Sovann and Phorn Sreoun were also released from prison.

The four men who still claim to be innocent, were sentenced last year on insurrection charges after a land-grab related incident in Kratie, which led to the death of a 14 year-old girl. Sonando, Ream, Sovann and Sreoun carried 20 years, five years, three years and 10 months sentences respectively. However, on March 14, the Appeal Court reduced Ream’s and Sovann’s sentences, and announced radical changes to Sonando’s offenses and a reduction of his sentence to time served.

It was understood the four men would be freed simultaneously on March 15, however, only Sonando made it out on the day. As hundreds of supporters carried him on a chair away from prison to celebrate, families of the remaining three were left behind waiting to hear news from their release.

On March 19, Mam Sonando returned to prison to see his three co-defendants walk free out of jail. As they saluted and hugged one another, the men continuously proclaimed they had never met before the arrest.

Despite the joy of freedom, a bitter taste lingers in their mouths: they are still guilty. The charges have not been dropped, and their conditional freedom reminds them of a crime they did not commit. For them – as for many other Cambodians – this small victory only adds to the uncertainty of the future.

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Touch Ream in prison uniform, is seen with his family during a break from the hearing at the Appeal Court. Ream was convicted and sentenced along Sovann, Sreoun and Sonando on insurrection charges in 2012. Mar 05 2013 ©Erika Pineros

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Families of Sonando’s co-defendants at Beehive radio station offices during their stay in Phnom Penh. Mar 18 2013 ©Erika Pineros

Phorn Sreoun’s wife, Phat Phin and daughter look out the car’s window on their way to Correctional Centre 1. Four days before, they made the exact trip expecting their husbands to be released along Mam Sonando. Mar 19 2013 ©Erika Pineros

Touch Ream plays with his baby girl as he walks free out of prison. Mr. Ream was convicted and sentenced along Mam Sonando on insurrection charges in 2012. Mar 19 2013 ©Erika Pineros

Mam Sonando, Khan Sovann and Touch Ream greet each other outside of prison. The three claim they did not know each other prior to the arrest. Mar 19 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Touch Ream, Khan Sovann, Phorn Sreoun and families are blessed after being released from jail at the nearest pagoda. Mar 19 2013 ©Erika Pineros

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To see related posts go to:
Mam Sonando freed, To be freed, Await verdict, Bail Denied, Sonando’s trial Day 1

Mam Sonando freed after months in prison*

EP — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 01:36:26 +0000

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

Human rights activist Mam Sonando was released after months in prison. He was sentenced in 2012 to 20 years on insurrection charges, after his appeal, the court announced changes to his offences and reduced his sentence to time served.

While co-convicted Touch Ream, Khan Sovann and Phorn Sreoun were scheduled to be freed with Sonando, a slower process did not allow their release. Unable to join the celebrations, Ream’s, Sovann’s and Sreoun’s families returned to Human Rights NGO Licadho’s offices to wait for further news on their release.

The four men were sentenced last year for inciting an alleged secessionist movement in Kratie after a land-grab related incident which led to the death of a 14 year-old girl. After a day and half hearing, the court announced the verdict will be given on March 14th.

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Sheets cover furniture at Mam Sonando’s home. Sonando was released after months in prison. Mar 14 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Families of Touch Ream, Khan Sovann & Phorn Sreoun arrive at Correctional Centre 1 to wait for their husbands to be released along with Mam Sonando. Sonando was released just after 9am, while the other three men remain in prison. Mar 15 2013 © Erika Pineros

Mam Sonando walks free out of Correctional Centre 1. Mam Sonando was released after months in prison. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Mam Sonando leaves Correctional Centre 1 carried on a chair by supporters. Sonando was released after having had his sentence changed and cut to time served after appeal. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Mam Sonando and supporters hold their hands up in victory sign after leaving Correctional Centre 1. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Huon Pannary, secretary for the Association of Democrats and Mam Sonando’s advisor thanks demonstrators for their support as they leave the prison. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros

A supporter hugs Mam Sonando on his arrival home after his release from months in prison. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Mam Sonando surrounded by supporters on his arrival from prison. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Heng Mom, a prominent Boeung Kak land rights activist, gets her hair cut by Mam Sonando as offering for his release. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Mam Sonando and secretary for the Association of Democrats and close adviser Huon Pannary, receive blessings at Sonando’s house after his release from prison. Mar 15 2013. ©Erika Pineros

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To see related posts go to:
To be freed, Await verdict, Bail Denied, Sonando’s trial Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 & Day 4

Human Rights Defender Mam Sonando, Touch Ream & Khan Sovann to be freed

EP — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:17:33 +0000

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

Human rights defender and prisoner of conscience Mam Sonando, along with Touch Ream and Khan Sovann are expected to be freed from jail on Friday 15th March after the court announced changes to Sonando’s offenses, and reduced sentences to time served for all.

The three were sentenced last year to 20, five and three years in jail, respectively, for inciting an alleged secessionist movement in Kratie after a land-grab related incident which led to the death of a 14 year-old girl. After a day and half hearing, the court announced the verdict will be given on March 14th.

Read Amnesty International press release.

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Villagers from Kandal province prepare last minute details for the trip to support Mam Sonando in Phnom Penh. Mar 14 2013. ©Erika Pineros

From 4:30am, a truck picked up villagers from Kandal province to travel to the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh to support Mam Sonando. Mar 14 2013. ©Erika Pineros

A villager from Kandal province holds a flyer from the opposition party, Cambodia National Rescue Party on the trip by truck Phnom Penh to support Mam Sonando. Mar 14 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Villagers supporters of Mam Sonando travel to Phnom Penh. Mar 14 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Mam Sonando supporters get ready for the demonstration outside the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh. Mar 14 2013. ©Erika Pineros

Huon Pannary, secretary for the Association of Democrats, distributes t-shirts to Mam Sonando’s supporters in front of the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh. ©Erika Pineros

Relieved, wives and families of Sonando’s co-convicted Touch Ream and Khan Sovann wait outside the court’s room after finding out the reduced sentence verdict. Mar 14 2013. ©Erika Pineros

A monk celebrates with demonstrators after Mam Sonando, Touch Ream and Khan Sovann’s verdicts were given. All three had their sentences cut to time served and are due to be released from jail. Mar 14 2013. ©Erika Pineros

A triumphant Mam Sonando can be seen in a police truck leaving the Appeal Court back to prison. Sonando and two others had their sentences cut to time served and are due to be released from jail on Friday 15th March 2013. Mar 14 2013. ©Erika Pineros

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To see related posts go to:
Await verdict, Bail Denied, Sonando’s trial Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 & Day 4

Cambodian women celebrate International Women’s Day

EP — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:59:37 +0000

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

Land and human rights activists marched the streets of Phnom Penh to celebrate the International Women’s Day. A minute’s silence was observed for Boeung Kak’s Chea Dara, who committed suicide out of desperation over being forcibly evicted and for Yorm Bopha’s 185th day in prison.

Meanwhile, men showed their support by preparing food and organizing the event back at Boeung Kak community.

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Land rights activist and prisoner of conscience Yorm Bopha’s supporters demonstrate on International Women’s Day demanding her immediate release. ©Erika Pineros 2013

A girl stares at demonstrators as they march on the streets of Boeung Kak community. ©Erika Pineros 2013

Police block demonstrators from reaching the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in Phnom Penh as land rights activist and prisoner of conscience Yorm Bopha’s supporters demonstrate on International Women’s Day demanding her immediate release. ©Erika Pineros 2013

Land rights activist and prisoner of conscience Yorm Bopha’s supporters demonstrate on International Women’s Day demanding her immediate release and to stop violence against women. ©Erika Pineros 2013

Land rights activist Yorm Bopha’s supporters attend an event at Boeung Kak Community on International Women’s Day. ©Erika Pineros 2013

Wearing a prison uniform, Tep Vanny, poses with her daughter during Women’s Day. In 2012 she and 12 other women were convicted of occupying state land and obstructing public officials; the 13 women were released a month and three days later. ©Erika Pineros 2013

Men from Boeung Kak community prepare food for demonstrators at Boeung Kak community. ©Erika Pineros 2013

Wearing a prison uniform, Tep Vanny poses with her family at their house in Boeung Kak. In 2012 Vanny and 12 other women were convicted of occupying state land and obstructing public officials; the 13 women were released a month and three days later. ©Erika Pineros 2013

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To see related posts go to:

Walking in & out, Of Freedom of Expression and other Human Rights

Mam Sonando, Touch Ream & Khan Sovann await verdict

EP — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:18:31 +0000

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

71 year-old journalist and owner of Beehive Radio Mam Sonando, and co-convicted Touch Ream and Khan Sovann appeal last year’s court sentence at the Appeal Court.

While hundreds of demonstrators outside the Appeal Court shouted for justice and their immediate release, families of the convicted waited patiently outside the room. Having been in prison since one of his daughters was only a couple of months old, Touch Ream was able to spend some family time while in court.

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Activist Mam Sonando’s supporter cries for Sonando’s release outside the Appeal Court in Phnom Penh. Mar 05 2013 ©Erika Pineros

Hundreds of people from various provinces joined to demonstrate outside the Appeal Court n support of activist Mam Sonando. Mar 06 2013 ©Erika Pineros

Touch Ream is seen with his family during a break from the hearing at the Appeal Court today. Mr. Ream was convicted and sentenced along Khan Sovann, and Mam Sonando on insurrection charges on September last year. Mar 05 2013. Mar 06 2013 ©Erika Pineros

71 y/o journalist Mam Sonando salutes the press before entering the court room during his appeal. Sonando was sentenced to 20 years in prison on insurrection charges on September last year. Mar 06 2013 ©Erika Pineros

Wife of Mam Sonando’s co-convicted Touch Ream, Ky Kea and her two daughters await outside the court’s room for a verdict. Mr Ream has been imprisoned since his youngest daughter was two months old. Mar 06 2013 ©Erika Pineros

Activist and journalist Mam Sonando is escorted by police out of the court’s room after it was announced the verdict would be announced on March 14 2013. Mar 06 2013 ©Erika Pineros

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To see related posts go to:
Bail Denied, Sonando’s trial Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 & Day 4

2012 in pictures

EP — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 11:35:47 +0000

Well, at least some of MY 2012 in pictures. Enjoy!

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A man closes his eyes in prayer as thousands of people stare at the moon looking for their King’s smile. Cambodia’s King Father Norodom Sihanouk passed away on Monday Oct. 15, 2012 from a heart attack in a Beijing hospital. ©Erika Pineros 2012

A young Buddhist monk prays with his eyes fixed on the sky, looking for a resemblance of the King Father in the clouds. Cambodia’s King Father Norodom Sihanouk passed away on Monday Oct. 15, 2012 from a heart attack in a Beijing hospital. ©Erika Pineros 2012

Cambodia’s National Paediatric Hospital coped with an influx of children with severe dengue fever, during an under-reported epidemic that hospitalised more than 30,000 people in the first eight months of 2012. ©Erika Pineros 2012

On assignment for Handicap International, Mae Sot, Thailand 2012

A man rides a buffalo during the festivities of Pchum Ben; the village of Vihear Suor in Kandal Province prepares itself every year for this colourful festival. ©Erika Pineros

Men wrestle during the festivities of Pchum Ben; the village of Vihear Suor in Kandal Province prepares itself every year for this colourful event. ©Erika Pineros

A young Muslim girl from a Cham minority fishing community facing eviction paddles her boat in the Tonle Sap river. Phnom Penh, Cambodia. ©Erika Pineros 2012

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Human & Land Rights • Cambodia 2012

EP — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 08:12:12 +0000

CAMBODIA

This post aims to pay homage to those who risk their lives and leave everything behind – including their own families – to defend their most basic rights. A summary of some of the 2012 Human & Land rights related events in Cambodia – part of my long term project on land rights and housing conditions.

Through this project, I’ve had the opportunity to meet the most amazing and inspiring people. I have also had the chance to witness staggering moments of joy, despair and frustration.

I truly hope 2013 brings some better news for those millions of people around the world whose basic rights have been undermined.

Happy 2013

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Nget Khun, 72, a Boeung Kak protester stands in front of the police barricade in support of imprisoned Bopha and Sakmony near the Appeals Court in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. © Erika Pineros 2012

Tep Vanny, one of the most prominent Boeung Kak protesters, cries as she finds out Bopha was sentenced to three years in jail. ©Erika Pineros 2012

A police barricade faces the burning offerings part of a ceremony aiming to curse officials after Bopha’s three-year sentence. ©Erika Pineros 2012

A supporter of 71 y/o journalist Mam Sonando, prays and releases lotus flowers petals calling for Sonando’s immediate release. Sept 13 2012. ©Erika Pineros 2012

‘Free the 15′ t-shirts and lotus flowers cluttered the streets during a demonstration supporting the 13 Boeung Kak women convicted for occupying state land and obstructing public officials. Lotus flowers have become a strong symbol on land-rights related protests. June 27 ©Erika Pineros 2012

Eight villagers from the Thmar Kaul community near the airport, are taken in detention to the nearest police station in Phnom Penh, after being arrested for painting SOS signs on their houses’ rooftops. ©Erika Pineros 2012

A young Muslim girl from a Cham minority fishing community, which faces eviction – paddles her houseboat in the Tonle Sap river. Phnom Penh, Cambodia. ©Erika Pineros 2012

Venerable Loun Savath “The Multimedia Monk” films at Phnom Bat relocation site, where over 300 families have been forcefully relocated after being evicted from Borei Keila in Phnom Penh. ©Erika Pineros 2012

Children play volleyball at Phnom Bat relocation site. Over 300 families were forcefully relocated after being evicted from Borei Keila in Phnom Penh. Almost a year later, residents continue to live under ‘refugee-camp’ conditions. ©Erika Pineros 2012

A Boeung Kak resident waves a Cambodian flag aiming to get attention from ASEAN leaders gathered at the Peace Palace building, which faces the former lake. ©Erika Pineros 2012

Children play with the balloons released by demonstrators carrying welcome and SOS messages for president Obama and Hillary Clinton. ©Erika Pineros 2012

The 13 Boeung Kak women – convicted for occupying state land and obstructing public officials for over a month – were received at their community with a massive party by their fellow villagers. June 27 2012 ©Erika Pineros 2012

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