Montagnards stage Phnom Penh protest
Updated
Dozens of Vietnamese asylum seekers have staged a protest in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, against the forced return of some of their friends and relatives.
The demonstration by the mainly Christian tribespeople from Vietnam's Central Highlands was triggered by the recent repatriation of 28 refugees.
The four-hour protest ended when 40 armed riot police arrived on the scene and threatened to break up the rally.
The Montagnards fled to Cambodia in 2001 after staging anti-Vietnamese government demonstrations over land rights and religious freedom.
Vietnam's government has given assurances that returnees will not face discrimination.
Around 450 Montagnards are in United Nations holding centres in Phnom Penh while their refugee claims are being processed.
