CNRP’s Oct. 23rd protest approved; marching, camping not allowed

 

The meeting between representatives of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and Phnom Penh city authorities.

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- Phnom Penh City Hall has granted permission to the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) to hold a three-day mass protest beginning October 23rd, but allowed only 10,000 participants to gather at the protest site, according to Phnom Penh deputy governor.

The permission came after a meeting between representatives of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and Phnom Penh city authorities.  

Khuong Sreng, Phnom Penh deputy governor, said that Phnom Penh City Hall didn’t allow the CNRP to march along the streets of the capital or have its protestors camp overnight at Freedom Park.

The opposition party, however, maintained their position to gather between 20,000 to 40,000 supporters and march to present petitions to the different foreign embassies in Phnom Penh.

“In the meeting, authorities allowed the CNRP to gather only 10,000 supporters and it was different than the CNRP's request of 20,000 to 40,000 participants,” said CNRP spokesman, Yim Sovan.

“The CNRP still maintained its position, and will seek approval from the Ministry of Interior over this issue,” he added.

The CNRP is set to hold their three-day mass protest starting Wednesday of this week at Freedom Park to protest against July's election results which handed the victory to the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

The party also demanded the establishment of an independent committee to probe into the alleged  election irregularities.