CALD Statement No. 3 S. 2014

CALD Statement calling for the immediate and unconditional release of MPs- elect from the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and other opposition activists

“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers [Article 19]. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association [Article 20 (1)].”

-Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) strongly condemns the arrest of eight CNRP members (MPs-elect – Mu Sochua, Keo Phirom, Real Camerin, Ho Vann, Men Sothavarin, Long Ry, Nuth Romduol and youth activist Oeun Narith) and other opposition activists last 15 July 2014 who have been charged with insurrection, intentional violence and obstructing government officials despite their strict adherence to non-violent protests.

On several occasions since 4 January 2014, non-violent protests have “routinely been violently pushed back by armed security forces operating under local Phnom Penh authorities”, and the Freedom Park, “a space designated to exercise the right of freedom of assembly and expression,” has been closed down and barricaded by the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). CALD is concerned that these incidents would follow a series of violent crackdowns that would further weaken political negotiations and deviate from developing peaceful solutions.

CALD supports the CNRP in its call for greater public involvement in political discourse and peaceful demonstrations. CALD is confident that through greater access to information and through active political participation, the Cambodian people will be empowered in safeguarding democratic institutions and in upholding fundamental human rights.

CALD is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the opposition members who were arrested, and is demanding the CPP-led government to drop the cases and recognize the fundamental rights to peaceful freedom of assembly and expression.