On Thursday 14 September, the European Parliament called for the "immediate and unconditional" release of Kem Sokha, the leader of Cambodia's main opposition party the CNRP (see EUROPE 11854), as well as for the release of other members of the opposition and human rights defenders who are in prison – especially National Assembly member Um Sam An, Senator Hong Sok Hour and land entitlement campaigner Tep Vanny.
In a joint resolution of the S&D, ECR, ALDE and EPP Groups that it adopted, the European Parliament says it is "deeply concerned by the worsening climate for opposition politicians and human rights campaigners in Cambodia". It condemns "all the acts of violence, politically-motivated allegations, arbitrary detention, interrogations, punishments and sentences of these people".
"A credible democratic process leading to the election of the National Assembly in July 2018 requires an environment in which political parties, civil society and the media are able to exercise their legitimate tasks without fear and without undergoing arbitrary restrictions and threats", the MEPS state. They thus call on the Cambodian government to work for the respect of fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in the country. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)