The ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION urge you to take immediate action on the Cambodian situation.
The Asian Human Rights Commission has been informed by Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) that on 9 September 1998, police shot at 60 monks who were marching on the streets and calling for peace. It is reported that two monks were injured and one of them later died in hospital. Two persons are identified as missing namely Tong Bun Rith, a student and Kong Sideeun, a monk at Wat Lanka.
Meanwhile, most of the shops throughout Phnom Penh are closed causing a shortage of food.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Since 26 July 1998 Cambodia election results were announced, about 15,000 people gathered in front of the National Assembly calling for a reappraisal of the election. The results of the elections as announced are Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) 64 of the 122 seats in Assembly; Prince Norodom Ranaridh’s FUNCINPEC 43 seats; and Sam Rainsy Party 15 Seats. There are allegations of electoral frauds and intimidation. To form a government, the party requires two-third majority in the National Assembly and the parties have until 24 September to form a government.
7 September 1998: a grenade was thrown into Hun Sen’s residence. It is alleged that Hun Sen have set it up to begin a crackdown on opposition protests.
8 September 1998: the government began its crackdown on the demonstrators gathered near the National Assembly and Ministry of Information. It is alleged that the armed forces and the riot squads (called Flying Tiger Unit) dispersed demonstrators gathered in front of the National Assembly and Ministry of Information. They were armed with AK-47 rifles, electric batons and water cannons to push the protestors out of the protest site. The riot police unit fired to the sky to scatter the demonstrators from their tents. It is reported that 7 people were beaten unconscious and about 100 injured. The authorities have confiscated motorcycles and bicycles used by demonstrators.
There are reports on shooting, killing, beating, and torturing of the suspects arrested for their involvement in the grenade attack on the house Hun Sen in Phnom Penh. Some leaders of demonstrations are also being arrested by the police.
The 16-day vigil by opposition parties against Hun Sen’s rule has stopped, at least for the moment.
Moreover reports claim that the General Secretary of the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Human Rights Association (KKKHR) was beaten and his camera, radio and money confiscated by policemen.
The Asian Human Rights Commission condemn the violent acts on the demonstrators and especially the shooting at peaceful demonstrators and other inhumane acts such as torture and beatings which have inflicted on people and especially Buddhist monks.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
You are urged to write protest letters and faxes to Prime Minister Hun Sen, Minister of Justice, His Majesty Norodom Sihanouke and U. N. Special Representative for Human Rights in Cambodia Thomas Hammarberg, calling for their intervention to end the violence and human rights violations in order to seek a peaceful solution.
Please write to the Cambodian authorities urging:
– Immediately stop all the violent action against peaceful demonstrators;
– Ensure that no one is tortured, beaten by the police, military or special task forces;
– immediately release those who were detained for peaceful assembly and ensure their safety;
– To compromise and seek a peaceful solution to the situation in dialogue with opposition political parties;
Please also write to U.N. Special Representative and King of Cambodia urging:
– to intervene with the different political parties urging them to find a peaceful solution by dialogue and compromise so that a new government can be formed and the country can proceed with its task of reconstruction and economic development.
SEND APPEALS TO:
His Excellency Hun Sen Prime Minister office Office of the Council of Ministers Phnom Penh, Cambodia Fax: (855) 23-426-054
Mr. Thomas Hammberburg UN Special Representative for Human in Cambodia D-519 Palais des Nations Geneva 10, Switzerland Fax: 22 – 917 0022
His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk King of Cambodia C\\O Cabinet of His Majesty Royal Palce Phnom Penh Cambodia Fax: 855 -23 426 802
And to the diplomatic representative of Cambodia accredited to your country.
