06 Jul 2018 | 12:15 AM UTC
Cambodia: Political rally planned in Phnom Penh July 7
A pre-election politically rally will take place in Phnom Penh on July 7; heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions expected
Event
A political rally is set to be held in Phnom Penh on Saturday, July 7. According to the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), participants will gather at the Koh Pich (Diamond Island) area starting at 05:30 (local time). Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions, including around Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), are anticipated during the rally. Further political demonstrations are expected in the capital and other urban areas around the country in the weeks leading up to the July 29 general election.
Context
Veteran leader and current Prime Minister Hun Sen is preparing for a July general election that he is widely expected to win, with the main opposition party banned and its leaders encumbered with legal cases that have blocked them from running. A court dissolved the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party last year after it was found guilty of plotting to take power, allegedly with the support of the US. Rights groups allege the case could be an attempt to discredit the opposition and intimidate opponents.
Advice
As a precautionary measure, individuals present in Cambodia are advised to monitor local media, avoid all protests and demonstrations (as they could turn violent), and refrain from discussing domestic political issues in public.
