CNRP to hold People’s Congress defying ban

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) – The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) will not be allowed to hold the People’s Congress at the Freedom Park on March 30, but is granted permission to hold grenade attack anniversary, said official. However, CNRP said they would hold the congress, ignoring the government’s ban.

After the meeting this morning between Phnom Penh City Hall officials and CNRP representatives, Long Dimanche, spokesman for Phnom Penh City Hall, said the Phnom Penh authorities could not allow the opposition to hold the People’s Congress at the Freedom Park on March 30 because the cases of the recent violent clashes on January 2-3 are being investigated by the court.

The CNRP, however, announced its stance to hold the rally despite ban by authority. 

The People’s Congress aims to gather opinions of its supporters on negotiation with the ruling Cambodian People’s Party.

“Investigation is just an excuse used to ban and to crack down on the freedom of assembly at the Freedom Park,” said Mu Sochua, Director General of CNRP’s Public Relations. 

“If we want to protect democracy, let's make it open, and don’t use  Freedom Park as hostage,” she said. 

She added that the protest, freedom of speech and People’s Congress are protected by the constitution. Thus, “ the People’s Congress on March 30 at the Freedom Park will be held as scheduled,”