‘Freedom Park’ inaugurated

Thursday, 04 November 2010

By Vong Sokheng

Phnom Penh Post

Photo by: Sovan Philong
Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema leads a group of officials in a walk through Freedom Park after cutting the ribbon during its official inauguration.

About 1,000 people attended the opening ceremony for Phnom Penh’s controversial “Freedom Park” – five times more than will be allowed to gather in the park for a single rally under the Kingdom’s new demonstration law.
The Law on Peaceful Demonstration, passed last year, calls on all provinces and the capital to set aside an area for public gatherings in order to “ensure freedom of expression of Khmer citizens through peaceful assembly”.

Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park opened in Daun Penh district, near Wat Phnom.

Phnom Penh governor Kep Chuktema hailed the 1.2 hectare park as a sign of Cambodia’s democratic progress.

“During the Pol Pot regime, we could not protest and Phnom Penh turned into a ghost city, but now we have a Freedom Park,” he said.

“I would like to appeal to all Cambodian people in all provinces to gather in the parks for demonstrations. If protesters go to another area, we will have to take measures to ensure public order.”

According to the demonstration law, those wishing to gather on public property must file a request with the appropriate government authorities at least five days in advance, cite their purpose and include photocopies of the national ID cards and home addresses of three representatives.

At freedom parks, as well as on private- or collectively-owned property, demonstrators may apply for a permit with the government only 12 hours in advance, or 36 hours in advance if they plan to gather on a weekend or holiday.

Demonstrations under these circumstances are limited to 200 people and allowed only between 6am and 6pm. Police are not permitted to break up any approved gathering unless it turns violent.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY THOMAS MILLER...read the full story in tomorrow’s Phnom Penh Post or see the updated story online from 3PM UTC/GMT +7 hours.