UN voices concerns about 'crackdown' in Cambodia

By Lauren Crothers

PHNOM PENH

The United Nations' human rights arm has announced its concerns in the wake of a recent crackdown on civil liberties in Cambodia, urging the government to ensure that basic freedoms are being protected.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, said in a statement issued Tuesday that the body is “very concerned about the escalating atmosphere of intimidation of opposition politicians, their supporters, civil society, and peaceful demonstrators in Cambodia”.

The statement came a day after municipal authorities erected three barricades along a stretch of a key route in and out of the city to prevent opposition lawmakers from trying to deliver letters to various embassies about the human rights situation.

Shamdasani said the blockades gave rise to concerns about civilians’ public safety, and called last week's deploying of helicopters and boats near the headquarters of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) “deeply worrying”, when combined with warnings issued by officials in the army.

CNRP president Sam Rainsy is in self-imposed exile and his deputy, Kem Sokha, has been holed up at the HQ to avoid appearing in court ahead of a trial set to take place on Friday, in which he is charged with procuring prostitution.

At least two dozen other CNRP supporters and members are also in prison.

“The weak evidentiary basis of the charges and the accompanying procedural flaws raise serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings,” Shamdasani said.

“We urge the Government, ahead of the local and national elections in 2017 and 2018, to create an environment conducive to the enjoyment of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, which are particularly critical in a pre-electoral context,” she added.

On being asked about the allegations late Tuesday, Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan accused the UN of doing little but "draw salaries and make reports”.

He told Anadolu Agency that the statement was “an accusation and very biased against the government,” and also left out “the whole truth” of the situation in the country.

“For the CNRP, it’s not just the party, but a few persons who abused the law,” he said.

“They should tell the world about the motives -- why did it happen to those people? They haven’t been fair. They refuse to appear at court. They are corrupt and incite the people.”