UNHCR concerned about erosion of democracy in Cambodia

(Vatican Radio) The latest move was when Kem Sokha a senior leader of Cambodia's opposition party was stripped of his post as the vice-president of parliament in an unexpected vote.

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The UNHCHR said 11 opposition activists are serving prison sentences of between seven and 20 years for participating in or leading an “insurrection”, and another opposition legislator is awaiting trial on a range of charges, including incitement to commit crimes and forging public documents.

Earlier this week pro-Government protesters in Phnom Penh verbally and physically assaulted opposition Members of Parliament, and threatened Sokha’s private residence in what appeared to be an organized attack said UNHCHR.

Reports suggest that police and other State security forces looked on while the attacks took place UNHCHR’s Ravina Shamdasani noted.

[“We stress that the right to peaceful assembly and to freedom of  expression belongs to all individuals, regardless of their political or other opinion.”

Shamdasani said it is the Government's responsibility to ensure that individuals are not targeted for their political affiliation or for expressing dissenting views. Those responsible for violence should be brought to justice.