Cambodia: Opposition Politicians Are Charged With Insurrection

AP / New York Times | 16 July 2014

Six Cambodian opposition politicians were charged Wednesday with leading an insurrection movement after a clash with security forces who prevented their followers from rallying in a public park. Lawyers and rights activists said six leading members of the Cambodia National Rescue Party — including five members of Parliament — appeared in court to be charged with leading an insurrection movement, incitement to commit a felony and instigation to commit acts of violence. At least three others face the same charges, they said. The maximum penalty if convicted on all charges would be 30 years in prison. The government said in a statement that at least 38 neighborhood security personnel were injured in Tuesday’s clash, with 22 in critical condition and three in intensive care. Tuesday’s violence came two weeks before the anniversary of a disputed general election that led to a bitter political deadlock.