Friday, 09 November 2012
Phnom Penh Post
By May Titthara
A
shouts at riot police during a protest at Freedom Park Nov. 8, 2012 in
Phnom Penh. The protesters carried photographs of the late King Father
Norodom Sihanouk. Photograph: Hong Menea/Phnom Penh Post
A
200-strong combined police force faced off with about 100 members of the
opposition Sam Rainsy Party’s youth movement at Freedom Park yesterday,
bellowing accusations through megaphones at one another as authorities
sought to stop the demonstrators from marching to the Royal Palace.
As
the demonstrators yelled demands that they be allowed to take their
cries for the release of political prisoners to the gates of the palace
at security forces that refused to budge, both sides derided one
another’s actions as an affront to the memory of the late King Father
Norodom Sihanouk.
“In the name of Cambodian citizens, I would
like to insist the [present] King [Norodom Sihamoni] offer a royal
pardon for the political prisoners and land activists,” said Soung
Sophorn, executive director of SRP’s youth movement.
He accused Prime Minister Hun Sen of “showing no respect” to the late King Father by blocking their path.
A
megaphone mounted to the roof of a vehicle blurted back that the
demonstration was illegal, as an orator inside read from a letter
drafted by Phnom Penh Municipal Hall.
“The activities of SRP’s
youth movement is considered to be political exploitation and serves the
interests of the opposition party and even shows no respect to the body
of the former king,” piped the megaphone.
Only three representatives of the group could present their petition, the voice continued.
Sok
Peahvuth, Daun Penh deputy district governor, said the SRP youth had
violated the terms of an accord that allowed them to protest only at
Freedom Park. “I will take administrative measures if Soung Sophorn
doesn’t stop doing this action,” he said.
Among those caught in
the crush were members of the Association of Democrats, who had come out
in support of their movement’s jailed president, Mam Sonando.
Better
known for his radio station Beehive, which invited listeners to air
their grievances with the government, Sonando was given 20 years in
October for his role in a so-called “secessionist” movement on charges
widely decried by rights groups as trumped up.
To contact the reporter on this story: May Titthara at titthara.may@phnompenhpost.com
No comments:
Post a Comment