‘It is not done yet’: PM Hun Sen says gov’t crackdown on ‘rebels’ isn’t stopping with Sokha
PRIME Minister Hun Sen appeared to foreshadow more arrests yesterday, warning that the government’s crackdown on “rebellion” would not end with the jailing of opposi- tion leader Kem Sokha.
Speaking at the inauguration of a hotel in Siem Reap province, the premier claimed “rebels” were planning to launch a so-called colour revolution, and that Sokha’s purported collusion with the US was only the tip of the iceberg.
The Cambodia National Rescue Party president was arrested a month ago on accusations of treason based on a video of a 2013 speech in which he describes receiving assistance from the US in formulating political strategies. If found guilty, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
“I want to confirm that it is not done yet with the arrest of only one person, as there is a cluster,” Hun Sen warned, calling the purported rebels “foreign slaves”.
“We will not let you continue to betray and destroy the nation and peace.”
Though he stopped short of explicitly naming the CNRP, the premier alluded to a “city rebellion” in the offing, appearing to liken it to opposition-backed protests following the disputed
to explain that, in a democracy, it is the job of the primary opposition party to replace the ruling party – a point he made in the video that precipitated his arrest – but maintains that he has attempted to do this in only a “peaceful and positive” way.
“If the opposition party does not attempt to replace the ruling party it cannot be called an opposition party,” the letter reads. “So all my actions are not illegal.”
“If our nation dies there will be no rich or powerful people. It means everything is gone.”
Sokha also appeals to the Cambodian people to continue their pursuit for justice and change – which he says is only half-finished – and also calls on the international community to act immediately to prevent a “useless” election in 2018.
“[The] international community often says that democracy in Cambodia i s heading towards a dangerous [point], and now democracy is taking its last breath,” he writes.
CNRP Deputy President Mu Sochua and Sokha’s cabinet chief, Muth Chantha, both con- firmed the authenticity of the letter, but directed further queries to his lawyers.
Sokong said the defence team had been taking notes since they first met Sokha at Tbong Khmum Provincial Prison, and he instructed them yesterday on which sections to include in the letter.
“We take notes, and he tells us what he wants to be in the letter. He wants to illustrate he