As I Walk to Prison - Letter from Mu Sochua who is being threatened with arrest for speaking out against corruption and injustice in Cambodia
May 5 - Mu Sochua’s situation unfortunately is not improving with recent reports of intimidation. HRW issued a statement about Mu Sochua.
May 1 Update on Mu Sochua to Supporters
This is a letter from Mu Sochua who is being threatened with arrest for speaking out against corruption and injustice in Cambodia.
Mu Sochua is an elected member of the Cambodian parliament and a tireless advocate for women’s rights and the victims of injustice. In 2005, Mu Sochua was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work against sex trafficking of women in Cambodia and neighboring Thailand. Vital Voices honored Mu Sochua with the 2005 Human Rights Global Leadership Award for her efforts to stem the tide of human trafficking. To highlight her work, Mu Sochua, was profiled in the documentary play Seven.
Please share this with your network and friends and raise your voice in her support.
Mu Sochua’s letter:
As I Walk to Prison
Between 1975-79, over 1.7 million Cambodian women, men and children were killed by the Khmer Rouge, among them my parents. The world community knew about it but watched from afar. Cambodia has come out of genocide and on the road to reconstruction but this stage of reconstruction is stuck and in many ways quickly falling back to point zero. 30 years after the genocide of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia has made some progress but too small. Over 2,000 innocent Cambodian women die every year of childbirth, at least one million Cambodian children go to bed hungry every night, hundreds of thousands Cambodian children and female youth are ruined in brothels, over 200,000 families have been brutally forced of their land and homes, and over 75% of Cambodia’s forests have now been destroyed. Innocent lives of my people could be saved if justice were served, if top leaders of my broken nation were less greedy, if development were meant for all.
I left Cambodia as an innocent young adolescent because the Vietnam war was approaching and hundreds and thousands of sick, wounded and hungry families were already telling us that Cambodia was lost. I returned home 18 years later with two young children, to a nation in ruins. A new beginning gave us hope when the UN came to help Cambodia organize its first democratic election in 1993. It cost the world community 2 billion dollars. I became a leader in the women’s movement, moving communities and walking the peace walk in city streets and dirt roads to pray for non-violence. I joined politics and became the first woman to lead the women’s ministry that was lead by a man, campaigned nationwide to put an end to human trafficking, authored the draft law on domestic violence, signed treaties with neighboring countries to protect our women and children from being prosecuted as illegal migrants but to receive proper treatment as victims of sex slavery.
I witness violence not as a victim but I listen to hundreds and thousands of women and children speak of the shame, the violation, the soul that is taken away when violence is afflicted on their bodies and on their minds. As a politician I always try to take action, to walk to the villages where life seems to have stopped for centuries, I challenge the top leadership of the government — I question international aid.
Today, I am faced with the real possibility of going to jail because as self-defense I dare to sue the prime minister of Cambodia, a man who has ruled this nation for 30 years. Having been assaulted to the point where I stood half exposed in front of men, by a general I caught using a state car to campaign for the party of the prime minister, I found myself assaulted again, this time verbally by the prime minister who compares me to a woman hustler who grabbed men for attention.
Within days my parliamentary immunity will be lifted so the court can “investigate” my case. This is normal procedure for politicians from the opposition party or human rights activists or the poor who cannot bribe court officials. I will be detained in the notorious prison of “Prey Sar” for as long as the courts wish to take.
Many of my colleagues in the opposition, including my party leader have faced this fate for speaking out.
Cambodia receives close to a billion dollars in 2009 from the international community, the USA contributing close to 60 million. Is the world still watching in silence while Cambodia is now ruled by one man? Is the world afraid to say that its aid is actually taking Cambodia backwards?
Let no Cambodian children go to bed hungry anymore. Let no Cambodian woman be sold anymore.
We must walk tall despite being people bent from the trauma of the Khmer Rouge, which is still a part of us. Let us not let our leaders and the world-community use this trauma to give us justice by the teaspoon.
Let there be real justice.
Mu Sochua
Elected Member of Parliament
Sam Rainsy Party
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
By vital voices staff on April 24th 2009 in General, Mu Sochua
Tonette Tokura responded on 24 Apr 2009 at 7:29 pm #
I have worked on gender issues in Cambodia. While as a non-Khmer I cannot fully appreciate the anger and despair Mu Sochua must feel - as one who has returned to contribute to her country’s development after the Khmer Rouge regime implementing some important gains for women but seeing the unjust treatment of women continue unchallenged - I can say that I share her frustration. I encourage us all to take what steps we can: share Mu Sochua’s letter; talk about her story and that of Cambodian women to your friends, family and colleagues; write to your government representatives. Giving aid comes with responsibility - we need to urge our governments to stop watching in silence.
Ruth Margraff responded on 24 Apr 2009 at 10:16 pm #
This is a disgrace to all women world-wide. We have to take action. I met Mu Sochua just a month or so ago and heard her speak after a presentation of Seven. I was amazed by her integrity, wisdom and courage in public. I was even more struck by her openness and warmth when I spoke with her later at the reception. Please do not make her go to prison. We need many more like Mu Sochua in this world.
Lyudmyla Vesper (Merlyan) responded on 24 Apr 2009 at 10:35 pm #
think, women will gathering to prevent the possibility to “walk other women to prison only for the independence position and human rights protection. All of us should show those who make decision women could protect their selves.
oksana yarosh responded on 25 Apr 2009 at 4:26 am #
I am speaking out against corruption and injustice in Cambodia!
Mu Sochua! Thanks for your civil activity and love to the country!
Cambodian Human Rights Advocate In Danger « Lady Boomer NYC responded on 25 Apr 2009 at 9:33 am #
[...] got a disturbing email from VITAL VOICES.org (Invest in Women. Improve the World) this evening about a tireless champion of human rights in Cambodia. Mu Sochua was nominated for [...]
Laurie responded on 25 Apr 2009 at 12:54 pm #
This is so saddening, so tragic. So many Cambodian women and children have been sold, their human rights abolished. It hurts.
Paula Cizmar responded on 25 Apr 2009 at 2:13 pm #
When women stand up and speak out for human rights, they are not only an inspiration to us all, they are also taking on the difficult work that so many of us believe in, but that we ourselves cannot do. Mu Sochua is one of the courageous women who is doing work that so many of us cannot do, and we must be there for her with our support–in whatever way we can. To other women: Please share Mu Sochua’s story with everyone you know, write to government representatives, and the U.S. Dept. of State. To the Cambodian government: Please open your hearts and allow Mu Sochua to remain free and continue her work against the abuse of women.
Hedda Krausz Sjögren responded on 25 Apr 2009 at 3:00 pm #
Now is the point when art and reality intersects. I am producing a national tour of Seven in Sweden this fall and through the play I have come to not only learn about the work of Mu Sochua, but I have also been able to exchange e-mails with her in recent weeks - and receive her generous support of the work WE do.
I am writing this in support of Mu Sochua, it can not come to pass - she must not be imprisoned. And we must let the world know. And let the Cambodian leaders know we are taking action.
Martha Baker responded on 25 Apr 2009 at 3:35 pm #
May I suggest going back to the old ways of protest: Let’s call a demo for outside the Cambodian embassy/consulate. We ask well- known activists/feminists/celebs and get the media. Better than writing to ourselves. We got arrested protesting apartheid, had demos at Mexican, Guatemalan, El S embassies. Why not Cambodian & Afghani?
olga hines responded on 26 Apr 2009 at 3:39 am #
I do not really understand how can we help Ms. Mu Sochua by sharing our comments here or spreading ths information among our freinds? Can it prevent her arrest?
rikard responded on 26 Apr 2009 at 4:01 am #
I pray that your government will fall of its own sickness.
I hope and wish for your country to be free and just for everyone. I pledge to rich countries all over the world to stop support your president. Money should be given to people with a sharing heart. I hope your rulers soon will understand that to be a top nation you have to act like one. The more human the leadership the better the economy and wealth… LOVE to you and SUPPORT
Marion Böker responded on 26 Apr 2009 at 7:20 am #
Dear Madam, dear Sir
however reads this: Every country would need a couragious voice and activist, an active and deep in the reality rooted Member of Parliament like Ms. Mu Sochua. Cambodia should honor her, support her work and listen to her critics to improve. Nobody, no state nor a ledaer of a state nor a leading party should threaten good citizens and activists with prison. Women and all citizens of Cambodia and internationally need women like her: Please don’t work against her. Support her work, support women and children, anable them as your whole population to access all their human rights. Help creation of human security.
Learn the lesson of history: The voices of those from the international human rights activists suffering innocent in prison are never, never forgotten. Think twice, create a good cause!
Marion Böker responded on 26 Apr 2009 at 7:22 am #
Dear Madam, dear Sir
whoever reads this: Every country would need a couragious voice and activist, an active and deep in the reality rooted Member of Parliament like Ms. Mu Sochua. Cambodia should honor her, support her work and listen to her critics to improve. Nobody, no state nor a leader of a state nor a leading party should threaten good citizens and activists with prison. Women and all citizens of Cambodia and internationally need women like her: Please don’t work against her. Support her work, support women and children, anable them as your whole population to access all their human rights. Help creation of human security.
Learn the lesson of history: The voices of those from the international human rights activists suffering innocent in prison are never, never forgotten. Think twice, create a good cause!
Samira othman Hulaileh responded on 26 Apr 2009 at 3:56 pm #
As a Palestinian woman I can Imagine what does it mean to be threatened by Prison, I know how much efforts physically, and emotionally to be an activist between an oppressed people.
We are with you
Emma Carine Uwantege responded on 27 Apr 2009 at 4:29 am #
Dear Ladies,
It’s a pity to hear that one of the most activitist for human right and rights for women and children is in the way to prison. Let’s stand together to fight for any king of injustice and corruption if we need to achieve sustainable development. Let’s do not just watch and keep quite asking ourselves “what could we do?” Critisism for change is very important and I think is what Mu Sochua is doing.
Mu Sochua please remain strong and even though it happens to put you into prison, don’t loose courage. Nelson Mandela has lead to South Africa political change while in prison.
Mariam responded on 27 Apr 2009 at 4:36 am #
Dear Ms, Mu Sochua,
You have fought for the right cause, and no doubt, God knows you are in the right path. I for one, I can say, the devil is a lier.. You will rise and shine and for long, all the hunters sahll be hunted and you and the people you are figthing for, shall be honored and blessed!
Wherever you go, just know that the world is with you and wacthing your life.. it won’t be wasted in prison I bet!
mercedes herrero responded on 27 Apr 2009 at 9:04 am #
I am writing in support of the extraordinary Mu Sochua. The news of her possible, imminent imprisonment is terribly disheartening and tragic. As a member of the cast of SEVEN, I have had the honor of meeting and listening to this remarkable, courageous woman who had labored tirelessly to improve the lives of women and children in Cambodia. What happens to our societies when the truly committed, self sacrificing souls are silenced?? Who will fight the corruption and the greed?? Please, please don’t let this government further humiliate and silence one of its greatest human rights advocate. Sincerely, Mercedes Herrero
Cambodian Human Rights Advocate In Danger « The Widdershins responded on 27 Apr 2009 at 3:31 pm #
[...] got a disturbing email from VITAL VOICES.org (Invest in Women. Improve the World) this evening about a tireless champion of human rights in Cambodia. Mu Sochua was nominated for the [...]
Deborah Brevoort responded on 27 Apr 2009 at 8:24 pm #
How about a petition to let them know that the world is watching?
Marina Pisklakova responded on 28 Apr 2009 at 4:39 am #
Dear Friends,
I think the best way to support Mu Sachua as usually is to start sending faxes to Cambodian prime minister and the embassy in your country, as well as requesting that the government in your country puts a pressure on the Cambodian government.
Also notes to Sachua through VVGP website would give her more emotional strength.
Thank you all so much for caring for one of our sisters!
Warmest,
Marina Pisklakova
Latifa Jbabdi responded on 28 Apr 2009 at 7:27 pm #
Chère Mu Sochua
Nous sommes avec toi de tous nos coeurs. Tu as le soutiens de toutes tes amies qui sont fières de toi, et tu auras le soutien de tous les défenseurs des droits de l’homme. Ton arrestation sera diffusée dans la presse nous saisirons les organismes internationaux des droits de l’homme et nous ferons la pétition.
Cette violation ne passera pas sous silence et nous sommes là pour qu’elle soit dénoncée dans les quatre coins du monde.
Translation:
Dear Mu Sochua,
We are with you with all our hearts. You have the support of all your friends who are proud of you, and you will have the support of all human rights advocates. Your arrest will be released in the press and we will gather the international human rights organizations and we will do the petition. This violation will not be met with silence and we are here so that they are denounced in the four corners of the world.
Anne Archer responded on 30 Apr 2009 at 10:55 pm #
I had the privilege of hearing Mu Sochua speak at the Vital Voices play of “Seven” in NYC last month. Her story is heroic, her courage remarkable. She has given voice and continues to give voice to all Cambodian women who have had no voice and no hope to free themselves from sexual servitude, victims of an ongoing disregard for their basic human rights.
This brave and intelligent woman deserves all the support we can give in making her plight known to the world so that she is free once again and can continue her fight for a better and democratic Cambodia where women have rights and are not regarded as chattel.
Anne Archer, Founder, Artists for Human Rights
Marlene Rappaport responded on 01 May 2009 at 4:54 pm #
Please let us know in what way we can help. Who should we call? Who should we send letters to? Remembering those who were silent and the “never again” slogan I am frustrated by not being able to take more action in the face of injustices like this.
Maria da Conceicao Lourence responded on 02 May 2009 at 6:48 am #
Dear Sisters
It is so sad that women are still marginalized and voiceless globally and their rights are still violated,how about a global march on justice for women and global petition,it is high time that women globally lobby for massive representation in parliaments and governments.Mu Sochua is an remarkable women fighting for the rights of women,my heart goes out to her and I believe justice will prevail. I urge Cambodian women to campaign for her presidency,its only then they will have freedom for women.
Maria da Conceicao Lourence,founder Human rights activist
Namibia(South Western Africa)
Yuki Togawa responded on 08 May 2009 at 1:07 am #
There should be a film crew with several cameras around her at all times. Close up and long shot. Visible and hidden. This is the only way she will be protected.
Take my words,
Yuki
Mu Sochua « prescha – riding into the sunrise responded on 22 Jul 2009 at 11:49 pm #
[...] Mu Sochua’s letter: [...]
andy responded on 01 Aug 2009 at 10:51 pm #
Dear Mrs Mu Sochua,
As the verdict day nears another chapter opens in Cambodian political and justice system on August 04 2009 the day before Hun Sen’s birthday.
I salute you, defending the rights of every women and children in Cambodia and to stand up against corrupted government with out any representation in a court of law. The justice system and democracy will be questioned and the world will not be silenced on your conviction.
You are not alone in this fight we stand by you as a human rights activist and organizations.