Global Witness Slams Hun Sen

Global Witness called on Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday to have a greater respect for freedom of speech and for government critics, additionally demanding an independent investigation into the murder of prominent critic Kem Ley in an open letter released yesterday. The letter comes on the heels of numerous instances of political repression and outright violence toward those opposing Mr. Hun Sen and his government, it said.
 

Patrick Alley, co-founder and director of Global Witness, listed a number of recent examples illustrating the threats and violence facing those in the opposition and those working for civil society organizations. Since the assassination of Mr. Ley on July 10, many of his companions and colleagues have reportedly received threats from people aligned with the government and the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), he said.
 

Two activists who said they worked with Mr. Ley, Chum Hour and Chum Hout, have reportedly fled to Thailand after receiving death threats, he noted.    “It’s the duty of a democratic government to protect the rights and security of its citizens, including those who criticize it. As a signatory of numerous human rights conventions, including the International Covenant on civil and political rights,” Mr. Alley said, “we call on your government to guarantee the safety of these individuals and those who support them, and respect their right to freedom of speech.”

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