[Cambodia] Hitler pics out of line: opposition

The opposition yesterday criticised a local news website’s posting of photos comparing Cambodia National Rescue Party president Sam Rainsy to Adolf Hitler, saying it is “not appropriate at allâ€.

On its website on Saturday, Cambodia Express News posted a picture of Rainsy pointing his arm into the air during a recent opposition rally. Alongside it is a picture of Hitler, the former Nazi Party leader responsible for millions of deaths, giving the infamous Nazi salute.

Also featured are photos of those giving the salute at a Nazi rally and the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.

Nguon Serath, who works for CEN’s website, defended the post yesterday.

“We received the picture from a reader. Raising the hand, it is kind of a funny activity,†he said. “It is our freedom to publish it.â€

But CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann said the comparison “is not appropriate at allâ€.

“Rainsy is a democrat. He is a clean leader. And he is respected. Do not compare him to Hitler,†he said.