Statement of Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan
President of the Liberal Party of the Philippines
Chair of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats
14 January 2021
On behalf of the Liberal Party of the Philippines and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, we express our full support to Mu Sochua and her colleagues at the Cambodia National Rescue Party as they appeal for re-entry to Cambodia to attend their trials.
Aligned with the principles of democracy, we in CALD firmly believe that everyone has a right to fair trial with respect to justice and human rights. The continuous persecution of the political opposition in Cambodia is an alarming trend that has no place in a democracy that Cambodia claims to uphold.
We urge the government of Cambodia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen, to allow the opposition leaders and activists a safe return to Cambodia by granting valid travel documents, committing to a fair trial, and ensuring that they are not detained as they await judicial procedures as is their right.
The CALD is committed to monitor these proceedings to ensure that it is aligned with international humanitarian conventions.
CALD also stands firmly with the Cambodia National Rescue Party in condemning their questionable dissolution in 2018 and rampant arrests of its members, supporters, and activists.
We in CALD join the call for a peaceful action for democracy, justice, human rights, and national unity in Cambodia.
