Cambodian activists mark 10 years since govt critic's murder

Around 200 Cambodian activists gathered Friday in Phnom Penh to mark the 10th anniversary of the murder of a popular government critic and condemned what they claim is a continued cover-up.

Kem Ley, an analyst who dabbled in grassroots politics, was shot at point-blank range at a gas station cafe in the capital in 2016.

A former soldier, Oeuth Ang, is serving life in prison after confessing to the killing, saying he was motivated by an unpaid debt.

But critics say his brief trial was a political cover-up.

Around 200 activists, human rights defenders and other supporters rallied Friday at the gas station cafe where they placed flowers in front of Kem Ley's portraits.

Many wore headbands reading "justice" while others held pictures of the slain critic as they processed three times around the site, watched over by several state security officers.

"We want to tell Kem Ley that as long as justice has not been rendered to him, we will never forget him," said Chhim Sithar, leader of a trade union representing casino workers.

Kem Ley was a vocal critic of Cambodian politicians of all stripes, and was particularly scathing about the corruption that blights the country.

Shortly before his murder he gave an interview about an investigative report that detailed some of the millions of dollars allegedly amassed by the family of long-serving former prime minister Hun Sen.

The Cambodian government has strongly denied any role in the killing.

"We want to see relevant authorities re-open the investigation, find a real killer, bring those who are involved and who are behind the killing of Kem Ley to be prosecuted in accordance with the law," opposition politician Rong Chhun told AFP at the protest. 

Hun Sen, who ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades, stepped down as prime minister in 2023 and handed power to his eldest son, Hun Manet.

But Hun Sen is still president of the Senate and remains an influential figure in national politics.

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© Agence France-Presse