Catherwood LibraryILR School

Two dozen labor protestors were convicted in a Cambodian court of instigating violence in a demonstration early this year. The court ruled that all the defendants had already served their time and that they should all be released to go home. The protest were in the name of a higher minimum wage, which eventually was increased, but not as much as the demonstrators demanded. Human rights groups said that the ruling was likely made to appease Western clothing brands and groups who have criticized the Cambodian government for its harsh reaction to the demonstrations. Foreign clothing brands have met with the Cambodian government to assure officials that they were willing to pay their suppliers more if they can be sure that workers are being paid higher wages.