Opposition party activists held as Cambodia truce wavers

PHNOM PENH: A Cambodian court on Wednesday indicted two opposition party members for insurrection during a protest a year ago, a decision that could weigh heavily on a shaky political truce nearing the brink of collapse.

Police are seeking three more suspects and those arrested were denied bail and jailed pending trial, said lawyer Sam Sokong.

Their detention follows a bid to forcibly reopen a protest venue in July 2014, for which 11 members of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) were jailed two weeks ago.

Tension is rising between CNRP and the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), which struck a peace deal last year to foster a "new culture of dialogue".

The political stakes are their highest in years, amid unprecedented competition for business and power in Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Sen is credited with steering the country away from violence and poverty towards stability and growth, but faces a strong challenge to his three-decade rule.

source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/opposition-party-pair-hel/2031358.html

CNRP activists jailed

Thu, 6 August 2015

Buth Reaksmey Kongkea, Meas Sokchea and Shaun Turton

Three more opposition activists have been charged over a violent anti-government protest last year, with police swooping in less than 48 hours after Prime Minister Hun Sen demanded more arrests in the case.

Yea Thong, 23, yesterday became the third person arrested following the premier’s speech on Monday afternoon, with officers detaining Yon Kimhour, 28, and Roeun Chetra, 33, on Tuesday night.

The trio is among five people named in an arrest warrant issued by Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge Keo Mony on Tuesday.

The writ came shortly after Hun Sen demanded action against the “cruel attackers” and singled out one woman in particular as an “animal”.

Police are still seeking the remaining suspects, including a woman.

read more: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national

CNRP told to raise funds privately

Thu, 6 August 2015

Taing Vida

Coming on the heels of the imprisonment of 11 of its activists, the arrests of three more and the rejection of an agreement to hold elections earlier, the Cambodia National Rescue Party has now been ordered to cease fundraising for its recently approved television station in public spaces.

In a letter dated Monday, Phnom Penh City Hall said the CNRP had to end its street-side fundraising drive for the station, which it began in late June.

It went on to suggest that the Phnom Penh branch of the party organise fundraising events for the forthcoming Sun TV only on private property.

read more: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cnrp-told-raise-funds-privately