space Press Releases, News Stories

THREE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INDICTED OVER TAIWAN TOXIC WASTE

Associated Press

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, 15 February 1999 -- Three government officials have been indicted in a toxic waste scandal that prompted riots and hysteria in a Cambodian resort town two months ago, a newspaper reported today. The three officials were arrested Feb. 5 and released on bail after being questioned about the dumping of nearly 3,000 tons of mercury-laced waste in an exposed heap a few miles outside of Sihanoukville, the Cambodian Daily said. Citing investigating magistrate Huon Mony, the newspaper said Customs Director In Saroeun, Lonh Vannak of the pricing department, and Peng Chheng, an inspections official, were charged with damaging life, property and the environment.

They are the first government officials to be indicted in the dumping, which has been blamed for the deaths of at least six people. Six customs and police officials will be questioned this week and may also face charges, according to the newspaper.

FAIR USE NOTICE. This document contains copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The Basel Action Network is making this article available in our efforts to advance understanding of ecological sustainability and environmental justice issues. We believe that this constitutes a `fair use' of the copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond `fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
More News