Calls for action after Facebook ‘threat’ against public officials

Opposition lawmakers along with prominent political commentators and activists called for police action yesterday after a Facebook post threatened the lives of several public figures, including CNRP acting president Kem Sokha.

The account, under the name “Oun Heang Love”, could not be found yesterday, but a screenshot was widely circulated of a post featuring a pistol along with the message: “Kem Ley is already dead, next is Kem Sokha then Sok Touch”.

Ley was a political commentator assassinated in July, while Touch is a controversial border researcher.

“But Buntenh, Srey Mom, Ou Virak and Lao Mong Hay, they all will die by 2018,” it continued, referring to other prominent figures.

Political analyst Virak said yesterday he and his family were worried about their safety, and that police “have a duty to do an investigation”.

Touch also called for action, as did CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann, who added that “victims should not need to file a complaint in this case, [because] it is a criminal case”.

Past threats against ruling party figures have resulted in swift arrests, but Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak said police do not plan to act without a formal complaint.

Contact author: Touch Sokha

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