Cambodian workers protest disrespect to late king

PHNOM PENH (AP) - A Chinese factory supervisor who caused an uproar by tearing up a poster of Cambodia's late King Norodom Sihanouk was transferred on Tuesday to a city court where she could face formal charges for insulting the monarchy and inciting public disorder.

The supervisor had accused garment industry employees of shirking work during a week of official mourning for King Sihanouk. When she seized the portrait from one worker before a shift and destroyed it, more than 1,000 irate workers protested on Monday, eventually marching to the Royal Palace to demand she be punished.

Factory manager Khuch Osaphea expressed regret over the supervisor's actions, dismissed her and handed her to authorities for possible legal action.

It is a crime in Cambodia to insult the royal family, but the law does not mandate any specific punishment and prosecutions are almost unheard of. It was not clear on Tuesday what charges prosecutors would pursue.