Lim Kimya was a member of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), the favored opposition which was dissolved by a court docket earlier than the 2018 elections over an alleged treason plot. The CNRP mentioned on the time that the fees in opposition to it had been fabricated by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).
Surrounded by a pool of blood, Lim Kimya lay on his again, wearing a blue polo shirt and white shorts, as a police officer tried to resuscitate him, in keeping with a photograph shared by first responders. Nearby was a small blue suitcase.
“Thai authorities ought to promptly and completely examine and prosecute these accountable,” Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, mentioned in an announcement.
“The Cambodian authorities has intimidated, surveilled and harassed former CNRP members, together with these residing in exile in neighboring Thailand.”
Cambodian authorities spokesman Pen Bona mentioned the killing was the accountability of authorities in Thailand, a sovereign state. He mentioned the Cambodian authorities was usually accused by opposition “extremists” of being behind the incidents.
The Cambodian and French embassies and the Thai Foreign Ministry didn’t instantly reply to separate requests for remark.
Cambodia’s authorities, led by the CPP for greater than 4 a long time, has waged a ruthless crackdown on its opponents for years, with dozens of politicians and activists jailed, many in absentia, and tons of extra fleeing into exile. He denied persecuting the opposition.
Lim Kimya was not a outstanding member of the opposition motion. Police mentioned they’re nonetheless investigating the motive for his killing.
