US wary over intimidation

A US State Department official yesterday expressed concern over the Cambodian government’s intimidation of opposition lawmakers ahead of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s first official trip to America next week, according to reports.

The premier, and ruling Cambodian People’s Party supporters, have warned of protests targeting Cambodia National Rescue Party lawmakers in Cambodia should a scheduled anti-Hun Sen rally go ahead outside the US-ASEAN summit on Monday, where Hun Sen will be in attendance.

According to the Associated Press, deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes expressed concern over the situation and said the right to free assembly was protected in the US.

The remarks echo sentiments expressed by the US Embassy in Cambodia earlier this week.

The opposition fears a repeat of last October, when a pro-government demonstration, held in response to protests against Hun Sen abroad, ended with two of its lawmakers savagely beaten and sent to hospital in Bangkok.

Contacted yesterday, CPP spokesman Sous Yara said “each country has its own sovereignty, that’s all I can say”.

Contact author: Shaun Turton

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
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
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
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