At least 15 monks and five other people were injured in a violent crackdown on striking workers Thursday, after a special military unit was called in to deal with demonstrators outside a Phnom Penh factory. The clash, between demonstrators and troops from Special Command Unit 911, took place after protesters began throwing rocks at soldiers. The soldiers were seen brandishing metal pipes, knives, AK-47 rifles, slingshots and batons, according to rights workers. At least 10 people, including four monks, were subsequently arrested. Rights groups said the deployment of Unit 911 was unprecedented “and signals a disturbing new tactic by authorities to quash what have been largely peaceful protests.” (Photos by Heng Reaksmey, Phnom Penh)
