The opposition yesterday criticised a local news website’s posting of photos comparing Cambodia National Rescue Party president Sam Rainsy to Adolf Hitler, saying it is “not appropriate at all”.

On its website on Saturday, Cambodia Express News posted a picture of Rainsy pointing his arm into the air during a recent opposition rally. Alongside it is a picture of Hitler, the former Nazi Party leader responsible for millions of deaths, giving the infamous Nazi salute.

Also featured are photos of those giving the salute at a Nazi rally and the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.

Nguon Serath, who works for CEN’s website, defended the post yesterday.

“We received the picture from a reader. Raising the hand, it is kind of a funny activity,” he said. “It is our freedom to publish it.”

But CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann said the comparison “is not appropriate at all”.

“Rainsy is a democrat. He is a clean leader. And he is respected. Do not compare him to Hitler,” he said.