Nine entry points into city cut off ahead of Kem Sokha’s hearing

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Mech Dara, Ananth Baliga and Meas Sokchea

 

At least nine police checkpoints on the major entry points into Phnom Penh have been set up ahead of today’s trial of acting CNRP president Kem Sokha, with the opposition claiming supporters were being hindered from attending a party rally.

 

The checkpoints, manned by provincial, district, traffic and military police, were set up on national roads 1 through 6 on the outskirts of the capital in Kandal province, according to rights group Licadho.

 

The Post visited four of the checkpoints yesterday, and though most appeared to be simple traffic posts, each were manned by at least a dozen armed security personnel.

 

read more http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/nine-entry-points-city-cut-ahead-kem-sokhas-hearing

 

 

-- © Copyright Phenom Pen Post 09/09

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Opposition Party in Cambodian Plans Demonstration as Deputy to Appear in Court

PHNOM PENH — 

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) has planned a mass gathering of its supporters in the capital Friday, the same day that its deputy leader, Kem Sokha, is due to appear in court.

A CNRP official said the gathering had been approved by the municipality, but officials also said they plan to erect barriers to prevent opposition supporters marching on the city center.

Morn Phalla, director of the opposition CNRP's executive committee, said authorities had stressed that the meeting could go ahead if traffic was not disrupted and security forces policing the gathering were not abused.

Mean Chanyada, a City Hall spokesman, said the number of people due to attend was "not a concern," but cautioned CNRP supporters against "gathering on the sidewalk."

Am Sam Ath, technical supervisor at local rights group Licadho, said traffic jams were more likely to be caused by the "complete road blockades by the authorities."

Sokha is due in court Friday for questioning after missing a previous court date, where he was due to be questioned in a sex scandal case.

 

source http://www.voanews.com/a/cambodia-opposition-mass-gathering-deputy-appear-in-court/3499930.html