The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) strongly condemns the killing of Lim Kimya, a former member of parliament from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). Lim, a French-Cambodian national, was traveling with his wife by bus from Cambodia to Thailand when he was gunned down on 7 January 2025 by a motorcyclist near Khaosan Road in Bangkok.
CALD is appalled that such a cold-blooded, transnational murder still occurs in modern society. We condemn the use of violence and assassination as tools to silence anyone.
CALD believes that every individual has a fundamental right to life, liberty, and security, and that decisions regarding life and death must never be made arbitrarily. Dialogue and peaceful means are always available for resolving issues, and any form of violence that occurs outside of these peaceful spaces is utterly unacceptable and deplorable.
Francis Abaya, former member of parliament from the Liberal Party of the Philippines and current CALD Secretary General, stated, “The murder of Lim Kimya represents a brutal violation of human rights. This assassination not only strips away the right to life but also exposes the profound injustice of political violence.”
Abaya further emphasized that Lim Kimya’s death highlights the dangers of impunity and serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect individuals from political violence while upholding the rule of law.
The CNRP, a member-party of CALD, gained widespread prominence since its founding in 2012, campaigning for democratic reforms and addressing systemic corruption. However in 2017, the CNRP was dissolved as part of a sweeping crackdown on opposition ahead of the 2018 general elections.
The CNRP issued a statement expressing that it was “deeply shocked and appalled by this brutal and inhumane assassination.” CALD joins the CNRP in calling on the relevant authorities to conduct a swift, transparent, and thorough investigation into the murder of Lim Kimya and to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.
CALD also urges the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to cooperate in ensuring justice is served and that such tragic incidents never occur again. |
Categorised in: Statements
This post was written by CALD
Unit 409, 4/F La Fuerza Plaza 2, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave. corner Sabio St., 1231 Makati City, Philippines
+632 8819 60 71
info@cald.org
