PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Interior’s Gender Working Group has condemned the harassment and violation of a woman’s dignity by a group of men, calling on relevant authorities to investigate the incident, establish the facts and take appropriate legal action.
The condemnation, issued on November 12, followed the widespread circulation of video footage on social media which showed a group of men harassing a woman selling fruit at a party and touching her inappropriately.
The working group expressed deep concerns over the footage, which showed conduct it described as “degrading and violating the woman’s physical integrity and dignity”.
It strongly condemned all forms of humiliation and violations of women’s bodies, rights and dignity, saying such behaviour was contrary to social morality and respect for human dignity and could not be justified as joking or entertainment.
“Every woman, regardless of her occupation or economic circumstances, has the right to be respected and protected, and to earn a living in a safe environment,” it said.
The working group also urged authorities to pay particular attention to the vendor’s wellbeing and need for assistance, while respecting her wishes, privacy and dignity.
It appealed to the public, journalists and social media users to help combat harassment and discrimination against women and refrain from sharing images or videos, or making comments that could shame, blame or cause further distress to the woman.
The working group reaffirmed its “strong commitment to protecting women’s rights, promoting their value and dignity, and strengthening cooperation with all relevant stakeholders to prevent and combat all forms of violence against women, contributing to a society built on safety, equality, justice and mutual respect”.
Following the circulation of the video, one of the men featured in the footage publicly apologised to the woman and the wider public.
He said he had not expected the incident to escalate to this extent, explaining that he had asked to touch the woman’s hand because her fair complexion reminded him of someone who sold skincare products.
The woman who originally posted the video said it had been filmed at a wedding ceremony in March but had only recently been widely recirculated by social media users. She also apologised over the incident.
In a separate case, police arrested a food delivery worker on November 12 over allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in Meanchey district, Phnom Penh.
He was arrested by officers from the Minor Crimes Police Office, working with Meanchey district police and the Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Office.
The man was identified as Rith Sophearun, 21. He was arrested in Phsar Doeum Thkov commune, Chamkarmon district.
According to police, the suspect allegedly committed an act of sexual misconduct against the victim at around 10pm on November 11, on Street 13BT in Sansam Kosal 5 village, Boeung Tumpun 1 commune, Meanchey district.
Police said the suspect pretended to be lost before approaching the woman to ask for directions while it was raining. Taking advantage of the quiet surroundings, he allegedly touched the woman inappropriately, before fleeing the scene on his motorcycle.
The following morning, the victim filed a complaint at Boeung Tumpun 1 commune police station.
After footage of the alleged assault circulated on social media, the public also called on authorities to investigate and arrest the suspect. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
