A Change of Guard

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Tuesday 15 July 2014

About 40 injured at Cambodia opposition protest [and three opposition lawmakers arrested]

Scene of the clashes between protesters and seucrity guards. An injured guard was helped by protesters.

Post by Veasna Kon Khmer.
MP-elect Son Chhay speaks to reporters about the arrest of three opposition MPs Mrs Mu Sochua, Men Sothavarin and Keo Phirum.

Cambodian lawmakers from the main opposition party of Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Men Sothavrin, right, Mu Sochua, center, and Keo Phirum, second from left, gesture to make the number seven, the party's ballot number, as they are detained by authorities at Freedom Park, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, July 15, 2014. The lawmakers were detained and sent to police headquarters for leading about a hundred of their supporters to demonstrate in front of the park, asking authorities to open the site to the public. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Associated Press 

By SOPHENG CHEANG
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Opposition demonstrators disarmed Cambodian security forces and beat them with batons and flag poles in the capital on Tuesday, and officials said at least 40 people were injured, mostly security forces.
Police arrested three lawmakers from the political party that led the protest to demand that Phnom Penh's Freedom Park be reopened to the public. Authorities banned public demonstrations and closed the park in January after a spasm of political violence related to last year's general election.
About 200 protesters marched to the park and attached a large orange banner that read "Free the Freedom Park" to the surrounding razor wire barricade.
As armed police watched from inside the park, several dozen civilian security auxiliaries arrived with batons and homemade weapons and began pulling down the barricade, while attempting to disperse the rally, said Om Sam Ath from the human rights group Licadho. The security forces are often employed by the government to break up protests.
Om Sam Ath said security forces began beating protesters with batons but several protesters, many of whom were waving the national flag, fought back with their flag poles or batons they grabbed from the guards.
Police fired smoke bombs from inside the park to disperse protesters, he said, adding that at least four protesters were injured.
City Hall deputy governor Khun Sreng said that 37 of the security auxiliaries were injured.
The rally was led by Mu Sochau, a prominent opposition leader, and two other opposition members, Men Thavrin and Keo Phirum.
All three were arrested after the clashes, said Chuon Narin, deputy chief of Phnom Penh Municipal Police.
"Police did not arrest opposition lawmakers, we detained three anarchist demonstration leaders who led a violent protest," he said. It was not immediately clear when they would be released.
The opposition claim that last year's general election was rigged and the Cambodia National Rescue Party robbed of victory. Its lawmakers have boycotted their seats in the National Assembly.
Hun Sen has been in power for almost three decades, and while Cambodia is formally democratic, his government is authoritarian and known for intimidating opponents.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stupidity dictatorship Hun Sen want to rule the country by himself forever? He need to share and allow other to serve their country too, they have high degree from US,French,Australia,Canada..etc..I bet they know how to run the country better than Hun Sen copying and watching Chinese movie how to run the country? That's all he did, watch the movie how to run the country??

Anonymous said...

I think it is a set up to use it as an excuse in order to arrest the protest leaders, in this case, the opposition MPs. This is Hun sen's cheap tactic.

Anonymous said...

It is good by taking these 3s' out of the street.

Anonymous said...

this is crazy more cell phone video recorder than a protester. No wonder you never succeed anything.

Anonymous said...

The Artistic Textile

The textile which is shining in the dark atmosphere is created by inspired netted carpets, trustworthy to furniture shop in Cambodia
construction materials mention.
By this way the inspired netted carpets are volumetric walls with enchanting motifs, pattern stamped wall upholstery, curtains and more.
One more thing you can see some creative wherever you look, and it is sensitive temptation to capture your imagination.
Indeed all the textures are a challenge of creative and artistic approach, and you can enjoy with the colorful lamp and the beautiful light.

Anonymous said...

Look, some of you have accused Vietnam to be behind the violence. But look again at the three CNRP leaders at the site. Are they behind the violence?

The protesters are under their control right? They know violence will happen, yet, they still ask the protesters to come out and cause violence.

-Drgunzet-