Cambodia opposition calls for release of 4 people arrested for inciting violence

English.news.cn   2013-08-18

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) on Sunday urged the authorities to free four people accused of inciting armed forces to topple the government.

"The CNRP totally condemns the authorities for arresting 4 people when they just gave flower and drinking water to soldiers deployed in Phnom Penh City at the behest of the government," the party's statement said. "This is a serious violation of individual 's rights and freedom of expression, which are secured by laws and Cambodian constitution."

It said the party urged the authorities to free them immediately and unconditionally so that they could meet families and continue their work and studies.

The National Police announced Saturday that the four suspects including two women were arrested for producing and distributing hundreds of leaflets, aiming at inciting violence to topple the government.

"The arrest was made on Thursday when the suspects had been producing and distributing hundreds of leaflets, appealing to armed forces to use weapons to overthrow the government," said a statement of the National Police.

"This action is a criminal offence that will be punished based on the Penal Code, and it is not the legal rights and freedom or political activity," it said.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Police has already brought the 4 suspects to the city's court for legal action.

According to the statement, the suspects had given out those pamphlets at the behest of Suon Sereyratha, president of the Khmer People Power Movement, a U.S.-based, self-proclaimed "civil political movement" against the Cambodian government.

Suon Sereyratha, who is currently living overseas, is wanted by Cambodian police for inciting criminal conduct.

Cambodia's political tension has been on the rise since the National Election Committee released the initial results of the July 28 election Monday, showing the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen won a majority of vote, but the CNRP leader Sam Rainsy rejected the results, claiming serious irregularities during the poll.

Soldiers and police with armored vehicles have been deployed on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, since last week after the opposition repeatedly threatened to call mass protest against the election results.