Cambodian opposition figures charged
Five MPs-elect and an activist accused of “instigating violence” over demonstration that descended into clashes.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Five opposition MPs-elect and an activist have been charged with sparking violent clashes between opposition-led protesters and city security guards outside the capital’s Freedom Park.
Both sides accused the other of setting off pitched-battles on Tuesday, after nearly a year of political deadlock between the ruling-Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the opposition’s Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).
Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Wednesday charged six defendants, including CNRP MPs-elect Mu Sochua, Ho Vann, Keo Phirum, Men Sothavrin and Real Camerin.
CNRP spokesman, Yim Sovann, said they were charged with insurrection and instigating violence. “We condemn the arrests because they are groundless,” he told Al Jazeera.
“The MPs-elect have done nothing wrong. The authorities controlled by the CPP instigated the violence,” Yim Sovann added.