Cambodia: Protests possible after opposition leader arrested April 25 /update 1

Event

On Wednesday, April 25, Sam Serey, leader of the Cambodian opposition Khmer National Liberation Front (KNLF) party, was arrested north of Bangkok while attempting to extend his Thai visa, according to Human Rights Watch. He was reportedly arrested for overstaying his visa. Cambodian authorities are seeking his extradition from Thailand to Cambodia, where he had previously been convicted on terror charges in absentia in 2013. Though the KNLF is not widely supported in Cambodia, protests over his arrest are nonetheless possible in the coming days, including in Phnom Penh.

In addition, Serey's arrest comes as the country is preparing to hold parliamentary elections on July 29. Heightened political tensions, demonstrations, and consequent localized transportation disruptions are expected across Cambodia ahead of the vote.

Context

On April 10, Prime Minister Hun Sen declared that authorities had thwarted a plot organized by Serey to carry out two bombings in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on April 12, ahead of the traditional new year celebrations.

Veteran leader 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 lumbered 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 with the help of the US. Rights groups consider the case may be another attempt to discredit the opposition and to 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.