Cambodian court bars environmental activists from travelling to Sweden to receive 'Alternative Nobel' - Times of India
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PHNOM PENH: A court in Cambodia on Monday barred three environmental activists who are serving suspended prison sentences for their advocacy work from travelling to Sweden next month to receive the prestigious Right Livelihood Award. A copy of a letter from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court's chief prosecutor, Chreung Khmao, said the trip by the members of the group Mother Nature Cambodia was "not necessary." The letter, seen by The Associated Press, came in response to a travel request from the activists. Thon Ratha, 31, Phuong Keo Reaksmey, 22, and Long Khunthea, 25, asked for permission to make a November 24-Dec, 1 trip to receive the award, which is sometimes characterised as the "Alternative Nobel." Mother Nature Cambodia was co-winner of the award this year along with Phyllis Omido, a Kenyan community activist, and SOS Mediterranee, a humanitarian group that rescues migrants in the Mediterranean Sea. The Stockholm-based Right Livelihood Founda