LOWELL -- Well over 100 people gathered outside the Honorary Cambodian Consulate in Cupples Square Wednesday evening for a candlelight vigil in honor of Kem Ley, a leading Cambodian activist and political commentator who was shot to death last week.

Ley, a 46-year-old father of four, was killed as he stopped for a morning coffee at a convenience store he was known to frequent, according to published reports.

He was a leading political commentator who was outspoken about alleged human rights and economic abuses committed by Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Cambodian People's Party.
"With it's brazenness and high-profile target, the killing seemed to hark back to an era of political violence in Cambodia that many had hoped was over," the New York Times reported.
The event was organized by the Cambodian-American Caucus, a new organization that aims to support Cambodian-Americans by encouraging civic involvement and educating them about registering to vote and other issues.
Director Nichole Pagne said Ley's killing was especially troubling since it came just as pressure is building on the Cambodian government to stop human rights abuses and to free political prisoners.
She, and others at the event, believe Ley was targeted because he spoke out against the regime, and she described the killing as a "scare tactic" aimed at silencing opposition ahead of upcoming elections.
"Someone dying over democracy and freedom should not happen in this day and age,' Pagne said.
City Councilor Rodney Elliott spoke to offer condolences, and to voice support on behalf of the city for the continued fight for democracy, human rights and dignity in Cambodia.
Van Tooch, of Lowell, said Ley knew he was putting himself in danger by speaking out about abuses, but that he did so anyway.
"I urge you, please, to continue his journey to bring democracy, human rights, and justice to Cambodia," Tooch told those in attendance.
Participants spelled out Kem Ley's name with candles at the start of the event, as they gathered in the parking lot outside the consulate at 16 Pine St.
Edwin Hok, of Lowell, said it was an important night for all Cambodians, and that everyone must help spread the word that Cambodia is not the independent democracy that the government regime makes it out to be.
Noting the fear that exists among many Cambodians, which is sure to worsen thanks to Ley's killing, Hok called for the U.S., United Nations or European Union to help the Cambodian people.
The State Department issued a statement following the killing expressing sadness and concern about Ley's death and calling for a thorough and impartial investigation.
But those in Cupples Square on Wednesday night want to see the United States, United Nations, and other major powers insist upon an independent investigation into the killing, and whether it was politically-motivated.
Pagne said the group was also collecting signatures on a petition to have the United States push for an independent investigation of the killing.
She said the group was also spreading the word about "Black Monday," a movement modeled after other recent democratic revolutions which seeks to have Cambodians and other supporters wear black on Mondays to call attention to abuses in Cambodia.