Ananth Baliga

Self-exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy addressed the European Parliament’s human rights committee late on Wednesday night, urging the body to impose stricter conditions on its assistance and engagement with Cambodia in order to ensure legitimate commune elections in 2017 and national elections in 2018.

Rainsy, who fled the country in November after a court issued a warrant for his arrest in a defamation case, said given the “spiralling” human rights situation and harassment of the opposition party, upcoming free and fair elections were the only hope for a peaceful resolution to the current scenario.

“A simple warning is needed from the international community and the EU that you would not recognise a government elected into power in this kind of environment,” he said, speaking to the committee in French.

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Given the murderous despotic thug's past Khmer Rouge history, it never ceases to amaze one that Hun Sen is still not indicted before the ICJ for crimes against humanity. Full credit to Sam Rainsy for his perseverance and determination in wanting to see an end to Hun Sen's period in power.