Candlelight Party Activist Who Fled Cambodia Reportedly Arrested in Thailand

[geovalin]

A Candlelight Party youth activist who fled alleged political persecution in Cambodia has been arrested by Thai authorities this week, according to Human Rights Watch. The Candlelight activist, Thol Samnang, 34, arrived in Thailand earlier this week to “seek asylum” according to Human Rights Watch Asia deputy director Phil Robertson. Samnang was arrested on Friday by Thai authorities.

 

“For Thol Samnang’s personal safety, the Thai government must not return Thol Samnang to the Cambodian authorities,” said Candlelight’s acting secretary general Kong Monika. He confirmed Samnang is an active member of Candlelight’s youth wing.

 

On June 30, Samnang’s village chief reportedly warned Samnang that he would need to switch his party affiliation to the ruling CPP to avoid arrest, Candlelight’s Kandal province party chief Ly Mengkheang said. Prek Koy commune and district police then repeatedly visited Samnang’s home in Tropeang Chuok village on July 3, according to Mengkheang. They did not have a court order, he said.

 

https://cambojanews.com/candlelight-party-activist-who-fled-cambodia-reportedly-arrested-in-thailand/