In 2020, protestors in Phnom Penh called for the release of union leader Chhim Sithar, who had been imprisoned for her involvement in a strike against the largest casino in Cambodia, Nagaworld. Sithar was sentenced to two years in prison for incitement to commit a felony in May 2023, following her participation in the casino workers’ strike that began in December 2021, after over 1,300 employees, mostly union members, were laid off due to financial troubles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite her imprisonment, Sithar remains resolute and committed to continuing the industrial action. She has vowed to keep fighting until a resolution is reached, stating, “We will continue holding strike action until we get a solution. That’s the position we have determined since the first strike.” Nagaworld, owned by the late Malaysian billionaire Chen Lip Keong, is the largest casino in Cambodia and has been in operation since 1994.
The strike in Phnom Penh was unprecedented in Cambodia’s history, drawing a harsh response from authorities. Sithar was released at dawn on Monday and returned to her home in Phnom Penh to avoid a demonstration at the prison. Union members faced police violence, intimidation tactics, and judicial harassment during the strike, with human rights groups condemning the authorities’ efforts to suppress the protest.
Despite the challenges and risks, Sithar and other union members continued their fight for justice. Some protestors accepted compensation offers, but many remained steadfast in their demands. Sithar expressed her fear of losing the right to unionize, stating that it was scarier than being in jail.
The ongoing struggle for justice and workers’ rights in Cambodia highlights the importance of freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The determination and resilience of individuals like Chhim Sithar serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and equality.