Dozens Injured in Clashes at Cambodia Rally

AP / Wall Street Journal | 15 July 2014

A police officer scuffles with protesters during clashes at Phnom Penh's Freedom Park on Tuesday. Reuters

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia—Security forces and protesters have clashed at an opposition rally in Cambodia's capital, leaving about 40 people injured.

City Hall official Khun Sreng said most of the injured were members of the security forces. Civilian security auxiliaries are often employed by the government to break up protests.

Police arrested three lawmakers from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, who led the protest to demand that Phnom Penh's Freedom Park be reopened to the public.

City authorities imposed a ban on public demonstrations in January and closed Freedom Park, which is now surrounded by razor wire, after a spasm of political violence.

The opposition claims that last year's general election was rigged and the Rescue Party robbed of victory. Its lawmakers have boycotted their seats in the National Assembly.