In late November, Cambodian housing rights activist Yorm Bopha was released on bail after spending 14 months in prison. The young female activist has been a major figure in the fight to prevent forced evacuations from established households across Cambodia.

Serving as a beacon for nonviolent protest among Cambodian citizens, Yorm Bopha grabbed the attention of Cambodian authorities when 13 activists, the Boeung Kak 13, were hastily imprisoned after a three hour trial. After publicly protesting against their imprisonment, Bopha was warned by authorities that she could be next if her spirited activism continued.

Their warnings failed to dampen her fervor and soon she and husband were apprehended in September 2012. While her husband walked, Yorm was held on trumped up charges accusing her of planning to harm two men.

After no evidence was presented and several witnesses provided conflicting testimonies, it became apparent the charges were completely fabricated.

Many attribute her release on bail to the concerted efforts of those within the Cambodian community as well as a push by the human rights group Amnesty International who rallied thousands of members in over 40 countries. Thousands signed petitions calling for her release and posted relevant photos and messages across social media platforms.

Yorm Bopha was singled out by authorities specifically for her vocal opposition to the forced removal of families from their homes around Boeung Kak Lake (BKL). The policy of forced removal was announced in 2007 in order to allow the development of an $80 million dollar real estate project around the lake.

The project is headed by companies with close ties to the Cambodian People’s Party. The lake development is spearheaded by Shukaku Inc. In 2007, the company was granted a 99 year lease to the BKL region.

Despite, the huge business and political power both Shukaku Inc. and the Cambodian People’s Party hold, residents of BKL are fighting back. However, their resistance has been met with extreme force by the Cambodian authorities.

For instance, initial protests were met with deadly force as police killed numerous men involved in the protests. As a reaction to the brutality, many women began to form protests. Yorm Bopha soon became an integral part of these peaceful protests.

Unfortunately, these forced evacuations of populated land are nothing new. They have been taking their toll on Cambodians for close to a decade. This has manifested itself in the erection of rubber plantations created by investors friendly with the ruling party.

Many of these investors do not even reside in Cambodia. Some hail from China or Vietnam.

The combination of powerful moneyed interests, both in government and in business, suggests the atrocity of forced evacuations will be plaguing Cambodians for years to come. However, inspiring and influential activists such as Yorm Bopha continue to fight and raise awareness regarding housing rights.

Despite being arrested, Yorm Bopha has not been intimidated by the Cambodian authorities. Just two days after her release she was spotted protesting as police removed a group of residents from their homes.

– Zack Lindberg

Sources: Amnesty International, The Economist