Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Slain analyst Kem Ley’s family offered legal counsel

Slain analyst Kem Ley’s family offered legal counsel

Bou Rachana, Kem Ley’s wife, holds a portrait of her late husband as his funeral procession makes its way through Phnom Penh late last month.
Bou Rachana, Kem Ley’s wife, holds a portrait of her late husband as his funeral procession makes its way through Phnom Penh late last month. Pha Lina

Slain analyst Kem Ley’s family offered legal counsel

Prominent rights group Central has offered the family of slain political activist Kem Ley legal assistance if they decide to file a civil suit for damages against his alleged killer, though the family says they have yet to decide on filing a complaint.

Five weeks after Ley was gunned down in Phnom Penh, labour rights group Central said they would assist the family in filing a case against Ley’s killer, Oeut Ang, and “others involved in the killing”, according to the group’s executive director, Moeun Tola.

“If the family needs to file a complaint, we are willing to provide legal assistance,” he added.

Tola said the filing of a civil case could also help push the government’s criminal investigation into the Ley’s death – which has seen little public advancement since Ang offered a short confession on the day of the murder.

However, Ley’s sister-in-law, Bou Imolyta, said that the family’s priority was to keep Ley’s wife and children safe, and that they hadn’t decided on filing a complaint.

Meanwhile, in the wake of a request by Cambodia National Rescue Party lawmaker Ou Chanrith to erect a statue of Ley at Freedom Park in the capital, the Cambodia Veterans Association (CVA) has come out in opposition to the idea, saying the activist, who drew scores of thousands to the streets for his funeral, was a “normal citizen” and not a “hero”.

CVA’s secretary-general, Kun Kim, used the group’s Facebook page to say Ley’s activism paled in comparison to soldiers’ on the frontlines who “sacrifice their lives, flesh and blood for the country”.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the