JOINT PRESS RELEASE U.S.A. 7/9/07
United States July 9, 2007
We, The Undersigned organizations, strongly condemn the cruel act committed by the highest Buddhist figures in the Kingdom, Great Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong, Supreme Patriarch Non Nget and the involved party.
On June 30, 2007 Chief Abbot Tim Sakhorn, Buddhist monk of Wat Phnom Den North, Phsa village, Phnom Den commune, Kirivong district, Takeo province, Kingdom of Cambodia was invited to attend a meeting held at the provincial Buddhist office. His Venerable Tim Sakhorn was forcibly defrocked (disrobed) or leave monkhood against his will and the Buddhist teaching. On the same day, he was abducted by a group of people and transported swiftly to Vietnam.
The injustice committed upon the venerable Tim Sakhorn was ordered by the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch Non Nget and concurred by the Great Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong of Cambodia.
It has been 10 days since His Venerable Tim Sakhorn forced to defrock and whereabouts his location is unknown. His safety, security and health remain in the dark.
The Great Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong and Supreme Patriarch Non Nget, Senior Minister and Minister of Cult and Religion Ministry Khun Haing and involved party must:
Return safely, re-ordain, and restore Chief Abbot status of His Venerable Tim Sakhorn.
Cease all threats and intimidations of further illegal defrocking and kidnapping upon the
Buddhist monks against their will and rules, especially the 11 Khmer Kampuchea Krom
Buddhist leaders and non-governmental leaders and human right activists.
Rescind the June 8, 2007 6-Point Decree prohibiting Buddhist monks from participating in
Dharma Walk (Peace March), strike, rally, and demonstration.
Buddhist leaders or monks that forced other monks to defrock against their will and rule
must resign to save Buddhism.
We appeal to Cambodian Royal Government, Parliament and Senate, U.S. Government, House of Representatives, and Senate, United Nations, international Buddhist organizations and non-governmental organizations to help Ven. Tim Sakhorn returns to Cambodia.
Contact:
Kim P.M. Sakal
Executive Director
The Khmer Kampuchea Krom Community-North America
401-699-5320, E-Mail: kkcpressoffice@yahoo.com
Chhouk Savann
Board President
The Cambodian Society of Rhode Island
401-451-4933
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