A village chief has gone into hiding following the shooting death of an opposition activist in Prey Veng province, a Sam Rainsy Party member said Wednesday.
The opposition activist, Boo Born, was allegedly shot dead by Ros Voeun, the chief of Tanal village, in the province’s Sithor Kandal district, located near the victim's home in Prasad village.
“The village chief shot the activist,” said Chea Poch, an SRP National Assembly lawmaker for Prey Veng. “I have to react for the proper action, because in the village of Prasad, the opposition won in the last election.”
Boo Born was allegedly shot and killed Nov. 28 while fishing with his nephew in a rice field near the village. The motive, and whether it was political, remains unclear.
Police spokesman Keat Chantharith said he had not heard of the shooting, but added that police would investigate any killing, whether it happened to an opposition activist or not.