Authorities allow CNRP to meet, parade on Human Rights Day

LICADHO

The Cambodia Herald, December 6, 2013

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- Phnom Penh authorities have agreed to let the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) march along the streets of Phnom Penh and rally at Freedom Park on International Human Rights Day (Dec. 10), according to an opposition senior official on Friday.

But the authorities haven’t yet agreed to the CNRP's request of assembling at least 15,000 participants, and are currently seeking approval from the Ministry of Interior.

"At first, the CNRP asked permission to meet in front of the National Assembly before parading to Freedom Park, but authorities have only allowed us to meet at Freedom Park,” said CNRP official, Ho Vann, who attended the meeting with the authorities.

He said, the CNRP will begin their parade in three places such as the Sokimex gas station in Russey Keo, the overpass near Kosamak hospital, and the headquarter's of CNRP in Chak Angreler before heading to Freedom Park.

Opposition leaders Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha, who are currently overseas to seek support over their election demands, plans to return to the country before December 10 to lead the rally.

"Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha wlll return to country to lead CNRP supporters on December 10 in the morning in Phnom Penh," Vann said, adding that they will then go to Siem Reap in the afternoon to lead a rally there.

Some 5,000 people from around 200 institutions, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, and other human rights groups plan to gather at Wat Phnom Penh to mark International Human Rights Day.

Phnom Penh City Hall along with 50 other civil society organizations also plan to mark Human Rights Day themed, "20 Years Working for Your Rights".

Human rights, land activists, monks and citizens, who are walking from different provinces to mark International Human Rights Day, entered the sixth day of their ten day marching campaign to Phnom Penh.