Black Monday Protest Planned

[geovalin]

Khmer Times/Taing Vida

The area in front of Prey Sar prison will be painted black at 9am this morning if the Black Monday campaign is successful. Members of civil society, monks and community members affected by land disputes plan to wear all black and gather in front of the prison to demand the release of four Adhoc officials and one National Election Committee (NEC) official, who were detained there after being charged for their alleged involvement in the sex scandal surrounding Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) acting president Kem Sokha.

In response to the planned demonstration, the government has threatened legal action against those involved who break Cambodian law. In a statement released yesterday, the government’s Interior Ministry warned the public and members of non-governmental organizations that any rally or assembly must be conducted within the legal confines of the constitution and pay particularly close attention to the Law on Peaceful Demonstration.

“The Royal Government of Cambodia always considers associations and non-government organizations inevitable partners in developing the country now and in the future, but any activity conducted by them must be within the legal framework and not in any way harm the peace, stability and harmony of the people,” the statement says. “Otherwise, competent authorities at all levels will execute their roles and take action.” The Black Monday campaign was named by a number of NGOs and is meant to send a message to the international community that human rights in Cambodia are in danger, while urging the government to consider the release of detained human rights activists unconditionally.

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