The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, Surya P. Subedi, urged the Cambodian Government to respect the law and the principle of judicial independence in response to the recent arrests and swift convictions of land activists and opposition party members.
Tuesday, 18 November 2014; News by Khmer Times/Kali Kotoski
PHNOM PENH, Nov. 18, (Khmer Times) – The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, Surya P. Subedi, urged the Cambodian Government to respect the law and the principle of judicial independence in response to the recent arrests and swift convictions of land activists and opposition party members.
“It saddens me to see the courts being used again and again as a tool of the executive,” Mr. Subedi said in a press release.
“Since I took up this mandate as the Special Rapporteur, I have seen this happen in Cambodia countless times,” the rights expert stated.
In the past week, eleven activists were immediately charged for participating in non-violent protests, constituting a violation of human rights.
“The lack of judicial independence is one of the central obstacles to achieving the just, inclusive society that Cambodians strive for. The recent conduct of the courts demonstrates once again the need for an independent judiciary in Cambodia,” he stressed.
Two members of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) were also arrested for their part in the Freedom Park protests on July 15. Since the protests, 17 CNRP members and supporters have been charged in connection with the demonstration.
In the statement, Mr. Subedi added that none of the security forces that caused multiple deaths and injuries over the past year – including during the July 15 protests – have yet to be called into account.
“Public confidence in the institutions created to maintain peace and order will not be restored by adding to the list of violations that were met with impunity, but will only emerge when impunity is squarely addressed,” he added.