Cambodia: opposition politicians charged with leading violent protest
Five members of parliament (MPs) of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) have been charged with organising a violent protest and taken to the Prey Sar prison in Phnom Penh’s suburb.
Five members of parliament (MPs) of the Cambodia National Rescue Party(CNRP) have been charged with organising a violent protest and taken tothe Prey Sar prison in Phnom Penh’s suburb.
ThePhnom Penh Municipal Court made the decision after questioning the MPsover their alleged leading role in the July 15 protest, which turnedviolent when authorised forces came to dissolve the gathering, resultingin 38 police officers and security personnel getting injured.
The MPs were also charged with inciting insurrection and committingviolent acts, and may face a prison sentence of at least 20 years ifconvicted.
At a press conference on July 16, CNRPacting president Kem Sokha warned that his party will stagedemonstrations if the MPs are not released unconditionally.
The same day, officials of the Cambodian Government had a meeting withsome 20 ambassadors and chargé d’affaires of countries in Phnom Penhto announce the suppression of illegal rallies held by a number ofCNRP politicians. The officials affirmed that the arrest is to enforcelaw and restore security and social order.-VNA
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