The US Department of State has released a statement offering its condolences over the death of prominent Cambodian political commentator Kem Ley and urging the government to conduct an independent investigation.
Khmer Times/Taing Vida Monday, 11 July 2016
The US Department of State has released a statement offering its condolences over the death of prominent Cambodian political commentator Kem Ley and urging the government to conduct an independent investigation.
In a press statement dated July 10, the US Department of State said it was deeply concerned by reports of the tragic killing of prominent Cambodian political commentator Mr. Ley, who was shot and killed yesterday by a hitman in the coffee shop of a gas station in Phnom Penh’s Chamkar Morn district.
“We are following developments in this case closely, noting the Cambodian government’s call for an investigation, and urge that authorities ensure this process be thorough and impartial,” said US Department of State’s spokesman Jonh Kirby said.
Though the alleged gunman was arrested and has claimed Mr. Ley owed him money, many people took to social media yesterday, claiming the killing was politically motivated because Mr. Ley represented a political danger.
During the inauguration of a new building for the National Military Police, Prime Minister Hun Sen this morning urged politicians not to color the death as politically motivated and to not blame the government.
“Who would benefit from such a tragedy?” he asked. “What could be the loss? The incident has strongly affected the government’s reputation when the government is talking about social stability and safety.”
The alleged gunman arrested yesterday told police his name was Choub Samlab, which means “meet to kill” in Khmer. The 38-year-old said he killed Mr. Ley because he owed him money.
Ly Sophanna, a spokesman for the Phnom Penh Municipal court, said on Monday morning that the gunman who shot Mr. Ley is still at the municipal police station for further investigation. Mr. Ley’s body is now being kept in Wat Chas, Chroy Chongva district. The family said he would be cremated after 10 days, giving some time for his supporters and relatives to mourn.