Cambodia Closes Case, Thwarts Justice, in Forester Murder
The Cambodian government has rightly earned failing grades for doing nothing to halt or investigate human rights abuses. Its decision last week to drop a judicial probe into the killing of the country’s top environmental activist shows yet again that the ruling party condones the crimes of rogue land profiteers and discounts the lives off its downtrodden citizens. Those of us outraged by the murder of forest protector Chut Wutty in April were hoping the trial of a logging company security guard named Ran Boroth would expose what really went on in the woods the day Wutty was killed.
Chinese environmental activist goes on trial over books
Chinese former official who won an award for his exposé of illegal forest clearing has gone on trial accused of profiting by printing his books on environmental conflicts without proper licences. Liu Futang won the environmental press award, co-organised by the Guardian, in April. Three months later the 65-year-old was detained while receiving treatment for high blood pressure and diabetes at a hospital in southern Hainan province.
Californian environmentalist honored
The California State Park and Recreation Commission has renamed Eastshore State Park in honor of lifelong environmental advocate and 95-year-old Berkeley resident Sylvia McLaughlin.
