New and Widespread Looting in B. Meanchey | Heritage Watch - Preserving thePast, Enriching the Future

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New and Widespread Looting in B. Meanchey

AUGUST 28TH - Reaksmei Kampuchea newspaper reports the return of looting in Sophy commune, Srok O Chrou, Banteay Meanchey province, and it's even more serious than before. The digging of grave sites is happening in three villages of Sophy commune: the north, middle and south Sophy villages. The digging started on Aug.19th. The diggers/villagers explained that they dig because they have no food to eat due to lack of rain. Police families are believed to have involved in the dig. But the village police said they can't take action because there hasn't been authorization from the commune chief. Mr. khan Nanh, police official of Sophy village, said the digging started on Aug. 19 when 100 villagers went to the provincial court to provide support for the village chief who was being charged with forest logging. The villagers then continued on to the ancient grave
sites. It's believed that since the villagers had done the village
chief a favour, he would do the same to them by not stopping them from looting. Matt Yoy, Sophy village chief, said there's no point in asking them to stop because their reason would always be they dig because it's their only way to survive, and they dig in their own lands anyhow! So far, they have found beads, ceramic artifacts, and products made from bones. They sell them immediately for 100 Thai Baht. Banteay Meanchey Ministry of Culture hasn't yet received any report on the looting. They plan to visit the site on Aug. 30th.

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"...the most effective measure now would be to sign more bilateral agreements with countries that are under assault from the antiquities trade..." - Roger Atwood.

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