Ratanakiri Environmental Department Condemns Arson of Forest Watch Post by Illegal Miners

Phnom Penh, Cambodia -- The Ratanakiri Provincial Department of Environment has issued a statement condemning an incident where a group of illegal gold miners incited the burning of the Sreichai forest watch post, located within the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary in Ratanakiri Province. According to the statement, when park rangers attempted to peacefully stop and advise the illegal gold miners to cease their activities, citing violations of Article 850 of the Law on Environment and Natural Resources, there was no violence or exchange of gunfire. The individuals then left the area at 11:20 AM. Approximately two hours later, at 1:15 PM, the Ratanakiri Provincial Department of Environment received information from the police post of Romyom Commune about a traffic accident resulting in a fatality. The statement alleges that opportunistic individuals used this accident to falsely accuse the park rangers and incite trouble, leading to the destruction and burning of the ranger sub-station. The Provincial Department of Environment has completely refuted these accusations, calling them malicious attempts to defame and damage the reputation of law enforcement officers without evidence. It strongly condemns the public defamation, incitement to violence, destruction of public property, and the loss of Cambodia's natural resources. Source: AKP Khmer