Breaking: Cambodia's military investigates 'coup' plot against Hun Sen

[geovalin]

Cambodia's military is investigating a suspected coup plot against Prime Minister Hun Sen, a defense ministry official said on Wednesday, amid rising political tension in the Southeast Asian country. The army investigation centers on a man who announced plans to topple Hun Sen in Facebook and YouTube videos and called on others to join his cause, said Defence Ministry spokesman Chhum Sucheat.

"The authorities are investigating and looking for him," Chhum Sucheat told Reuters. He identified the man as Vichea Som but declined to give further details. News of the plot comes a day after a senior U.S. official responsible for human rights urged Cambodia's political rivals to return to negotiations amid a "deteriorating situation". In the video, the man the ministry identified as Vichea Som is dressed in a business suit and tie with a camouflage background visible in the footage.

He did not identify himself but accused Hun Sen's government and his ruling Cambodian People's Party of being behind big land grabs in one of Southeast Asia's poorest countries. He also accused the government of high-profile killings and human rights abuses. "In the near future, please all forces be ready against the dictatorial regime," the man said. He did not specifically call for a coup or threaten to organize a coup in the video clip.

read more http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-politics-idUSKCN1000JR?il=0

By Prak Chan Thul