CNRP Leaders, Supporters Face ASEAN Blockade Over Planned Return
Ngoeum Keatha’s family heaved a sigh of relief in their Sihanoukville home after she and fellow opposition youth activist Heng Seangleng were released by Malaysian immigration officials after being detained in Kuala Lumpur.
The family is hesitant to speak about the incident and are worried it could affect Ngoeum Keatha or the family. Malaysian authorities also detained opposition leader Mu Sochua, who was making her way to Thailand to meet Cambodia National Rescue Party acting president Sam Rainsy, after which they planned to return to Cambodia via a border crossing.
The opposition has planned to return to Cambodia on November 9 and start a people’s movement to remove Prime Minister Hun Sen from office.
Prime Minister Hun Sen Sends Another Warning To CNRP Supporters
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday again threatened Cambodia National Rescue Party supporters to stay away from opposition leader Sam Rainsy’s planned return to Cambodia, threatening further arrests for anyone assisting the exiled leader.
The prime minster was speaking at a development strategy event in Phnom Penh and even mocked Sam Rainsy, saying he was too cowardly to return to Cambodia.
“On the day of November 9, this person will be in Paris. On what authority will he come to arrest Hun Sen here?” Hun Sen said, referring to Sam Rainsy.
Security Forces Fortify Border Town ahead of Sam Rainsy’s Return
Members of Cambodia’s opposition have spent the last few days crossing Southeast Asia in an attempt to return to Cambodia – a return promised by their exiled leader Sam Rainsy.
Their destination is the northwestern region of Poipet, a border town known for its casinos and a key conduit for trade with Thailand.
An uneasy calm will welcome Cambodia National Rescue Party members, if they were to reach Poipet, after mixed security forces have garrisoned the town in anticipation of Sam Rainsy’s return.
U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo Urged by House Members to Act for Cambodians
Five U.S. Congressmen want Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to urge the Cambodian government to “uphold Cambodia’s constructional commitment to principles of liberal multi-party democracy.”
In a letter sent Friday to the top American diplomat, the signatories expressed concern about the “unrest and violence that may ensue given Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s repeated threats” against the exiled leaders of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) who have announced their intention of returning to Cambodia on November 9.
“We are also deeply troubled by the politically-motivated arrests and detention of CNRP activists and supporters since August 16, when CNRP exiled leaders announced their plan to return to Cambodia,” the letter said.