Cambodian monks want prisoners to change their robes to avoid confusion

Prisoners in Cambodia wear orange shirts.

PHOTO: PHNOM PENH POLICE

Monks in Cambodia have proposed changing the color of prisoners' uniforms because the color is quite similar to their robes, causing confusion.

On February 21, Khmer Times reported that monks in Cambodia have asked the Ministry of Interior to change the color of prisoners' uniforms, which are orange and look similar to the saffron yellow of the monk's robes, causing confusion among many people.

Venerable Khim Sorn, president of the Secretariat of the Supreme Buddhist Sangha Council of Cambodia, said monks and nuns usually wear dark brown and saffron-colored robes, named after the saffron dye used to dye fabric.

According to him, monks use this color because it symbolizes fire, which represents truth and enlightenment. However, this color is similar to the color used on prison clothes, so it can cause confusion for the public, he added.

"I would like to propose to the Home Minister as well as other relevant ministries to consider changing the colour of prisoners' uniforms. I would like to suggest that all prisons do not let prisoners wear clothes of similar colour to the robes because monks may be mistaken for prisoners," he said.

Recently, images of a group of prisoners being taken away in a police van in Phnom Penh were shared on social media and shocked many people. These prisoners were dressed in what looked like monk clothes and had shaved heads, leading many to initially think they were monks.

Monk Phon Pheakdey in Cambodia also asked Interior Minister Sar Sokha to change the color of prisoners’ uniforms. He explained that the appearance of shaved-head prisoners causes other Buddhist countries to associate monks with criminals.

Lieutenant General Nuth Savna, deputy director general of the General Department of Prisons under the Cambodian Ministry of Interior, said police chose orange for the prisoners' uniforms for security reasons.

"The authorities use this color because it is bright, clear, easy to follow, and this color is not very popular. If a prisoner escapes, it will be easier for the authorities and the public to cooperate in searching for and detecting that prisoner," he explained.

Cambodia's Ministry of Interior did not immediately comment on the recommendations.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/su-sai-campuchia-muon-tu-nhan-doi-mau-ao-de-tranh-gay-nham-lan-185250221104313336.htm