Cambodian protesters back down

Photo: Reuters

Cambodian protesters back down

Bangkok Post | 4 Jan. 2014

 

PHNOM PENH - Anti-government demonstrators have called off a mass rally planned for Sunday following the destruction of their base in a Phnom Penh park.

The decision also reflects growing unease after a bloody crackdown on Friday on garment workers allied with the protest movement, in which five people were killed.

Riot police on Saturday used tear gas to break up a protest camp in central Phnom Penh, dismantling shelters that had been there for weeks.

Dozens of security personnel armed with shields and batons flooded into the area, causing several hundred protesters to flee, according to an AFP photographer at the scene.

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy had vowed earlier that the mass march and rally planned for Sunday would go ahead. He also condemned the violence and demanded a thorough investigation.

Security officials clear away the belongings of protesters at Freedom Park in Phnom Penh on Saturday. (AP Photo)

However, a statement released later by the opposition said: "The Cambodia National Rescue Party would like to inform all national compatriots that the party will suspend the (planned) protest."

The dismantling of the CNRP camp occurred a day after five people were killed when police clashed with a protest by striking garment factory workers demanding a higher minimum wage.

"Around 10.30am Freedom Park was totally surrounded and half an hour later they entered the park and totally dismantled the park," opposition legislator-elect Mu Sochua said.

"It was hired thugs and special forces armed with metal pipes and batons. They aimed to maim," she said. "Our supporters are totally dispersed. It is like a war zone."

Mu Sochua said the opposition members feared their party headquarters would be targeted next.

Tension has been mounting in Cambodia since the disputed national election won by long-ruling Prime Minister Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party last July 28.

The CNRP says the voting was marred by widespread fraud. It has called for a new election and is demanding that Hun Sen step down after being in power for 28 years.

Authorities said the recent unrest had prompted them to put a stop to the daily anti-government rallies.

Phnom Penh governor Pa Socheatvong said in a statement that the CNRP would not be allowed to hold demonstrations or marches "until the security situation and public order is restored to normal".

The opposition party, which has boycotted parliament since a disputed July election that returned Hun Sen to power, had planned a major three-day protest starting from Sunday.

"This is the act of communist dictatorship," opposition spokesman Yim Sovann told AFP.

Protesters had occupied Freedom Park since December as part of demonstrations against Hun Sen's government that swelled to an estimated 20,000 or more opposition supporters on the streets last Sunday.