Two more opposition lawmakers-elect were arrested this afternoon over their alleged role in a demonstration that descended into brutal violence on Tuesday next to Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park.

Cambodia National Rescue Party spokesman Yim Sovann and other party officials confirmed that Long Ry and Nuth Rumduol were arrested at Ry’s home in Phnom Penh this afternoon.

Ry’s wife, Chea Sokumteany, told the Post shortly after 4pm that they were being taken to municipal police headquarters.

The pair have been charged with insurrection as well as incitement and instigation of violent acts and could face more than 30 years in prison if found guilty.

CNRP lawmakers-elect Mu Sochua, Keo Phirom, Men Sothavarin, Ho Vann and Real Camerin, as well as opposition youth activist and assistant to Sochua, Oeun Narith, spent last night in Phnom Penh’s notorious Prey Sar prison awaiting trial after being charged with the same offenses.

In a statement this afternoon, local rights group Adhoc reminded the government of the “principles of liberal democracy and pluralism” and the right of citizens “to establish associations and political parties”, as granted by the constitution.

Adhoc called on the government to “immediately release without charges the detained CNRP lawmakers-elect and activists as a means to ensure those principles of political pluralism are not lost and Cambodia does not stray any further from the path to democracy.”