LEAD WITH WISDOM

my gift arrived from Australia (on Christmas Eve)!!

What a BEAUTY!

Guess who's mentioned in Chapter 6?!

More info at CIVIC EDUCATION

. . .

Crackdown

on Christmas Eve Morning!

Read articles and see more images at Truth2Power Media

Half a million march on Monivong Blvd. as part of the daily marches of CNRP till new elections are held (Sunday, 22 Dec. 2013)

Read articles at Truth2Power Media

TURMOIL in Phnom Penh this CHRISTMAS EVE -- Please help us to monitor during this holiday season, the time that this autocratic CPP regime normally cracks down on peaceful Cambodian demonstrators and activists, knowing that the world is busy celebrating Christmas and New Year.

- Theary, 24 Dec. 2013

Celebrating CHRISTMAS EVE at my sister-in-law's restaurant "Chenda;s BBQ" in Boeung Keng Kang I, immediately behind Lucky Market, corner of Trasaek Paem (Street 63) and street behind Lucky Market, next to Tokyo (Central) Hotel -- here, the CNRP youth leaders are celebrating Christmas Eve with Senators Mardi Seng and Vannol Teav after their many successful daily protest.

With family from US, Spain, Svay Rieng and Takeo provinces this 2013 Christmas Eve at "Chenda's BBQ"

With my naughty Delilah (Christmas Eve 2013)

. . .

GIVE THANKS!

WaMaBo Tribe thanksgiving dinner (Hidden Ridge, 28 Nov. 2013)

Wally's oldest daughter Marla -- not only a talented pediatrician, but a great baker! (Hidden Ridge, 28 Nov. 2013)

With my brother Sina and his family, and with Pastor Socheat Na and his wife of the Holland Khmer church (Michigan, 1 Dec. 2013)

Selfie with my beautiful nieces and nephew on ride home after Khmer church service (Michigan, 1 Dec. 2013)

With my caseworker Donna Abbott of 30+ years ago!! This amazing Donna was also the caseworker for my four brothers! Now, Donna oversees the huge refugees program. I remember vividly Donna working with each of us individually -- patiently working with me putting pieces of the puzzle together at the Bethany Christian Services office, beginning in January 1981. Normally, the first contact for refugees entering the US is an organization like Bethany or Lutheran Church World Services, but for us it was first the church (Millbrook with all its amazing contacts; our case involved then US Representative Paul Henry) and then Bethany. (Grand Rapids, MI, 4 Dec. 2013)

Dinner at Nick and Claire Wolterstorff's home -- a mini reunion with friends I met in Honduras for the Association for a More Just Society seminar (Photo by Jill, Grand Rapids, MI, 6 Dec. 2013)

I'm so spoiled!  Claire and Nick Wolterstorff hosted a dinner (Indonesian cuisine!) on my behalf and then gave me this priceless signed gift, Nick's most recent publication!  Journey Toward Justice

I personally reduced this stack of logs to this half -- for fireplace use (Hidden Ridge, MI, Dec. 2013)

Boelkins cottage lake frozen over (Silver Lake, MI, 11 Dec. 2013)

(More photos / narrative of Thanksgiving in Michigan at Facebook accounts)

PRAYER OF PRAISE

C. S. Lewis

I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation. It is not out of compliment that lovers keep on telling one another how beautiful they are; the delight is incomplete till it is expressed. It is frustrating to have discovered a new author and not be able to tell anyone how good he is; to come suddenly, at a turn of the road, upon some mountain valley of unexpected grandeur and then to have to keep silent because the people with you care for it no more than for a tin can in the ditch [...]

Read more of this essay on why we praise...

. . .

FREE YORM BOPHA !

NOW!  Without Conditions!

Follow the demonstration and the court hearing on Friday, 22 Nov. 2013!

All friends! Please show solidarity with Yorm Bopha, a prisoner of conscience. Yesterday, her community and others marched outside Cambodia's Supreme Court for her freedom. Please show your support by sharing a photo of yourself holding the message ‘Free Yorm Bopha’. Email your photo to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (in the body of the email, not as an attachment) and it will appear on the Amnesty International Flickr page.

- Rupert Abbott, Amnesty International

22 Nov. 2013

Delilah is dead serious about this!

. . .

Judgment of International Court of Justice

Case of Preah Vihear | Cambodia v. Thailand

11 November 2013

Case Files | Watch the judgment on ICJ / UN web TV

https://app.box.com

ABC News (Foreign Correspondent) | CNN (World Untold Stories

Film interview with me at Preah Vihear in 2007

Thirty years after he and other Khmer Rouge leaders allegedly presided over one of the most brutal regimes in history, Khieu Samphan may finally be about to be charged with crimes against humanity.

After years of legal arguments, allegations of corruption, political interference and unexplained delays, a joint Cambodian-International war crimes tribunal has opened for business in Phnom Penh.

Only a handful of ageing old men are expected to appear before it. Many of those believed responsible, including Pol Pot, are already dead. And none of the many thousands of Khmer Rouge cadres who actually carried out the killings are expected to be charged - most still living freely amongst the victims of Cambodia’s killing fields. Victims like Seng Theary.

Seng blames Khieu Samphan for her pain and the pain of her country – but expects little from him even if he goes to trial.

“I mean he’s not going to tell the truth because mass murderers don’t normally tell truths.“

Undeterred Eric Campbell puts the question to Cambodia's "Year Zero" Head of State, that most Cambodians want answered –“Why?“

The answers are extraordinary.

. . .

First day of 3-day Protest and March to UNOHCHR

23 Oct. 2013 (22nd anniversary of Paris Peace Agreements)

More photos on KI Media 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Theary on stage at Democracy Square

Theary interviewed by Prum Sokha LIVE at the popular 6 p.m. slot on current state of democracy in Cambodia in light of non-violent protests.

Go to my Facebook pages for captions to these and other photos.

Theary Seng presenting on "The Right to Vote" at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung conference (Independence Hotel Sihanoukville, 11 Oct. 2013)

X. LAW TALK

20 YEARS OF CAMBODIAN CONSTITUTION

Moving towards implementation of Constitutional Law?

11.-13.10.2013

Sihanoukville Province, Independence Hotel

Prince Norodom Sirivudh, AICHR Commissioner Cheat Chealy, PIC Dr. Yan Van Deluxe, CIVICUS Cambodia Theary C. Seng

My presentation on the first day was on The Right to Vote

Interview for documentary film on the Cambodia garment industry (Phnom Penh, 3 Oct. 2013)

Giving an on-camera film interview on the Exit Strategy for Hun Sen commentary (Phnom Penh, 18 Sept. 2013)

BBC interview of Theary, here background filming (2nd day of mass protest, 16 Sept. 2013)

Theary Seng giving an on-camera interview on the political development in Cambodia. Theary: "The protest tomorrow is part of the creative tension that brings about genuine change. I really believe the CNRP won and Sam Rainsy will become the Prime Minister within this election cycle; we don't have to wait another 5 years."

Theary Seng at Democracy Square for the Mass Protest / Peace Vigil on Saturday, 7 Sept. 2013 (Photo: Robert Carmichael)

Board of Trustees Meeting

Ms. Theary C. Seng attending as Board President

Tagaytay, The Philippines | 2 Sept. 2013

Sam Rainsy Returns

to a Rapturous

Hero's Welcome

Photos: Theary C. Seng, 19 July 2013

More images taken by me from the truck carrying Sam Rainsy at my Facebook accounts and in KI-Media 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Sam Rainsy flashing CNRP no. 7 in the back of the pick up truck carrying him from airport to Democracy Square (19 July 2013)

I'm at the back of the truck where Sam Rainsy is standing on a raised platform, supported by bodyguards and his CNRP officials. The security surrounding his truck were amazing in protecting the truck from being flanked by frenzied supporters all the way from airport to Democracy Square, over 10 kilometers.

MORE PHOTOS and narratives

Global Convening to End Mass Atrocities

Istanbul (16-21 June 2013)

Istanbul, Turkey's largest city at 15 to 17 million people, is magical, as exquisitely stunning as one can imagine it to be and more (!!). Also known as Constantinople, named after the Roman Emperor Constantine who converted to Christianity in 4th century, it has now only one percent Christian out of 55 Million population.

Theary's presentation, during exchange with participants

I'm presenting on 19 June 2013 "Reconciling Peace with Justice in Cambodia: the Limitations of Tribunals to Address Mass Crimes"

https://www.box.com/s/g9go7em1jyvuhvy8jbjj

Theary Seng near Taksim Square on Istiklal Blvd. in front of the graffitied French Consulate (around noon-ish after service at Union Church in the vicinity, 16 June 2013)

Click here to read narratives and see more photos, or go to Ms. Seng's Facebook accounts

. . .

Theary C. Seng and the Road Ahead in Cambodia

By Michelle Phipps-Evans

Asian Fortune News, 3 Feb. 2013

Theary C. Seng (Photo: Roland Neveu, Dec. 2009)

The name Theary Chan Seng generates a fervor approaching reverence in the Cambodian community here and abroad. She is the Cambodian-born, American-educated lawyer and civil rights activist who founded the Cambodian Center for Justice & Reconciliation. It is a major component of another organization she serves as founding president, CIVICUS: Center for Cambodian Civic Education. This nonprofit group is dedicated to promoting an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles. It is actively engaged in the practice of democracy and reconciliation in Cambodia and the larger, globalized world.

So who really is Seng, the person? She is a survivor of the Khmer Rouge (KR) regime, and has spent almost two decades advocating for its victims, many of whom were orphaned, widowed, abused or molested—victims who were like Seng herself.

Read full article

In KI-Media

. . .

Obama, in Cambodia for a Meeting,

Sidesteps the Ghosts of History

International Herald Tribune (Peter Baker, November 20, 2012)

Theary Seng, president of the Association of Khmer Rouge Victims in Cambodia, said, “President Obama should have met with the human rights community and activists challenging the Hun Sen regime, and while then and there, offer a public apology to the Cambodian people for the illegal U.S. bombings, which took the lives of half a million Cambodians and created the conditions for the Khmer Rouge genocide.”

Click here to read this complete news analysis

. . .

Kissinger in Cambodia:

Protests Greet Obama's Visit

International Herald Tribune / New York Times

PHNOM PENH — Theary Seng was taking aim with precision and anger. The 41-year-old U.S.-trained lawyer and a regular on Cambodia’s crowded protest circuit was about to throw a dart at a poster of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Kissinger is one of 13 politicians and senior Khmer Rouge leaders in a dart game created by Poetic Justice, a nongovernmental organization run by Theary Seng that highlights deficiencies of the special U.N.-backed tribunal judging the Khmer Rouge’s crimes. Each player gets five throws. A bull’s-eye is worth seven points. The highest score wins.

Last Sunday afternoon, Theary Seng and three members of her staff were playing on Phnom Penh’s riverfront opposite the storied Foreign Correspondents’ Club. On this occasion — the fourth time the game has been staged in public — the point was to draw attention to the narrow scope of the Khmer Rouge tribunal ahead of President Barack Obama’s visit for a summit meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Click here to read full article.

. . .

Interview by Mike McRoberts of TV3, New Zealand standing on what was formerly the capital's largest natural lake, place of violent forced evictions (Phnom Penh, 20 Nov. 2012). Theary: "The international community gives muscles to this dictatorial regime to repress its own people. Before the government represses with Cambodian riels; now it's empowered and given muscles with NZ dollars, US dollars, Euros..."

Watch the TV3 New Zealand broadcast

with Mike McRoberts (aired 21 Nov. 2012)

At ASEAN summit, trade overshadows human rights

In solidarity with courageous protestors of Boeung Kak Lake, here sitting on what was formerly the capital's largest natural lake, with Council of Ministers facing it, with Bopha's mom and son (Phnom Penh, 20 Nov. 2012)

. . .

Open Letter

to U.S. President Barack Obama

Published in The Phnom Penh Post, 20 November 2012

Read letter in KI-Media

. . .

CJOReillyGlobal: #Theary Seng being questioned by Police of her possessions ahead arrival of #Obama. If only they knew her rights. http://t.co/88lyV2C3 Nov 19, 2012, 10:23 UTCMs.

Theary Seng and some 30 security (plus more embedded in Wat Phnom Penh and Sunway Hotel)

Narrative of harassment and images of

Ms. Theary C. Seng's stand-off

with at least 30 big bulky, heavily armed security

in front of US Embassy Phnom Penh

(Tuesday, 19 Nov. 2012)

Theary Seng (reddish-orange blouse to right) and 30+ security next to US Embassy Phnom Penh, 19 Nov. 2012

. . .

Emotional Violence of Past Poetic Justice Dart Games

flared into Physical Assault on Ms. Theary C. Seng

and those around her

along the Riverfront, Sunday, 18 Nov. 2012

A plain-clothes Cambodian police officer, left, pushes away Theary Seng, center, an organizer who was about to stage a protest in Phnom Penh, Cambodia Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. Cambodia broke up a protest organized by her Sunday that was meant to highlight the alleged oppression of Cambodia's people by political figures, including former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and the late despot Pol Pot (AP Photo).

See more photos

See film of violence

See Opinion by Heng Soy on the vulgarity attempting to undermine Ms. Seng and the global attention on the Poetic Justice dart games

Theary Seng and Poetic Justice dart game (Photo: John Vink / Magnum Photos, 18 Nov. 2012)

. . .

Spirit of Humanity Forum

Reykjavik, Iceland

SESSION 3: CALLING

4.15 - 5.45 pm Led by Miriam Subirana, Foundation for a Culture of Peace

The session includes:

Theary C. Seng, Founder, Centre for Justice and Reconciliation, Cambodia

Theary Seng with Princess Martha Louise (only daughter of Norwegian King and Queen), a genuine "people's princess" full of warmth and personality (Reykjavik, 15 Sept. 2012)

. . .

"Take that, Kissinger!" Poetic Justice dart games filming for ABC News.

More at Association of Khmer Rouge Victims in Cambodia...

"Cambodia's Khmer Rouge Court 'Dying'

ABC News film, aired 16 Oct. 2012

. . .

Khmer Rouge defendant Ieng Thirith ruled unfit for Cambodian genocide trial due to dementia

The Washington Post, 13 Sept. 2012

Of course if she is seriously ill with Alzheimer’s, she should be released. There is no point in trying an incapacitated person,” said Theary Seng, a human rights advocate representing some victims who are allowed a role in the proceedings. “The point is the (tribunal) is so late in coming. The political foot-dragging and inertia has caused this travesty of justice.”

. . .

Poetic Justice

and Civil Party Withdrawal

in the News

Nov. 2011

Ex-leader: Khmer Rouge atrocities are 'fairy tale'

AP Newswire, 23 Nov. 2011

"I'm not surprised that Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan and Ieng Sary continue to deny their crimes as the charges against them of genocide, war crimes are very serious," said Theary Seng, a Cambodian lawyer and human rights activist who lost family members under their regime.

"Even if I am not surprised, I am however disgusted by their lack of remorse for the suffering they caused. They are delusional in their denial in light of the weight of evidence against them - the mounds of skulls and bones, the horrific testimonies from every survivor of cruelty, the magnitude and scope of evil unleashed by them across the whole of Cambodia."

. . .

"Khmer Rouge trial is failing Cambodian

victims of Pol Pot's regime"

Human Rights Watch Brad Adams' editorial

The Guardian, 26 Nov. 2011

. . .

"Justice Denied"

Douglas Gillison, Foreign Policy Magazine, 23 Nov. 2011

. . .

Deputy President of Victims Association, a Civil Party of the Orphans Class, Mr. CHEY Theara, Withdraws Civil Party Status, Denounces ECCC as Political Farce

_______________________

PRESS RELEASE

_______________________

Full statement in both Khmer and English in KI-Media.

Here, if ISP censors in Cambodia.

. . . . .

Khmer Rouge Trial Missing a Marquee Defendant

Wall Street Journal, 21 Nov. 2011

“The release of Ieng Thirith is only one reflection of how incredibly late these trials are coming into place,” said Theary Seng, founder of the Cambodian Center for Justice and Reconciliation and herself, too, a victim of the Khmer Rouge regime, having lost her parents and spent five months in prison. She has withdrawn from the tribunal process, and instead put her energy into organizing public games of darts featuring the faces of the Khmer Rouge leaders along Phnom Penh’s riverfront – a “way of release” following victims’ frustrations with the trial process, mixed with “dark humor,” she said.

Watch the BBC News coverage

But the trial - a joint enterprise between the UN and Cambodia - has been heavily criticised. Theary Seng, whose parents were killed by the Khmer Rouge, said putting three people on trial for the deaths of 1.7 million simply wasn't enough. (BBC News, 21 Nov. 2011)

Filming for German DW-Global with Bastian and Sarin, 18 Nov. 2011. More photos...

Filming by BBC with Guy DeLauney, 17 Nov. 2011. More photos...

Khmer Rouge Trial: Cambodia Awaits Answers

BBC News, 21 Nov. 2011

. . .

Crying for Justice

AFP, 21 Nov. 2011

Khmer Rouge survivor Theary Seng told AFP she was "frustrated beyond words" that only Khieu Samphan looked likely to shed light on what happened. "The people want to know who is behind the Khmer Rouge, we want to see and understand the larger picture and we're not going to get that," she said.

From Tragedy to Sham in Cambodia

Asia Times Online, 19 Nov. 2011

In KI-Media

Others have gone further, arguing that the time might be ripe for the UN to pull the plug on the controversy-plagued court altogether. Last week, Theary Seng, a Cambodian-American survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime and a prominent advocate for victims' rights, withdrew her status as a civil party to the court, describing the proceedings as a "complete sham".

She said the UN should threaten to withdraw after setting some clear conditions for its continued participation. By pressing ahead, Seng said, the world body runs the risk of rubber-stamping a flawed process and further embedding cynicism in the Cambodian population.

"I understand the unwieldiness of any large bureaucracy, but at the end of the day it comes down to personalities, and there have been extremely weak personalities," she said. "In this regard, the UN is complicit."

In the End, Loss of Faith in Tribunal: Former Complainant

Hello VOA Special with Theary Seng, 16 Nov. 2011

Khmer Rouge Victim Quits Tribunal Saying UN-backed Court is a Sham

DPA, 15 Nov. 2011

Prominent Victims' Advocate Quits Khmer Rouge Tribunal

VOA International/English, 15 Nov. 2011

KRT Critic Offers 'Poetic Justice'

The Phnom Penh Post, 16 Nov. 2011

Theary Seng Denounces Tribunal; Introduces Dartboard Scheme

The Cambodia Daily, 16 Nov. 2011

More photos from Poetic Justice/ECCC Withdrawal Press Conference, 15 Nov. 2011

Front pages of The Cambodia Daily and The Phnom Penh Post, 16 Nov. 2011

. . .

Click here to read the full press release...

More information at "ECCC Civil Party"

More information at Association of Khmer Rouge Victims in Cambodia

In KI-Media

Theary Seng Criticizes KRT

as "Political Farce"

The Phnom Penh Post, 10 Nov. 2011

Radio Free Asia (both AM and PM broadcasts on 10 Nov. 2011)

Cambodian-American Lawyer Withdraws her Civil Party Status

Voice of America Khmer Service, 10 Nov. 2011

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