King Norodom Sihamoni has awarded 14 police officers with “National Independence” medals, according to a Royal Decree issued on Saturday.

National Police Chief General Neth Savoeun and deputy National Police chiefs Lieutenant General Kang Sokhorn and Lieutenant General Mok Chito were among those who received the award.

But it is unclear exactly what achievements the officials have been honoured for.

“In my opinion, the government handed out the awards because in 2014 there were major events from January like shooting workers protesting peacefully, throwing unionists into jail, beating people … which were an achievement in the eyes of the government,” said Ny Chakrya, head of investigation at local rights group Adhoc.

National police spokesman Kirth Chantharith could not be reached yesterday.