US criticizes Cambodia for intimidation ahead of PM's visit

Yahoo News / AP | 12 February 2016

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is criticizing Cambodia's government for threats against the political opposition as the Southeast Asian nation's prime minister prepares to make his first official U.S. visit during 31 years in power.

Prime Minister Hun Sen is set to attend a summit of the leaders of the U.S. and Southeast Asia in California next week.

Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes expressed concern Thursday over intimidation of opposition lawmakers in Cambodia in recent weeks, and against people planning to protest in the U.S. against Hun Sen's visit.

Human Rights Watch says Hun Sen and his supporters are telling Cambodian-American citizens that if they protest on U.S. soil there will be attacks against the political opposition in Cambodia.

Rhodes said the right to free assembly is protected in the U.S.