GENEVA: The UN human rights office yesterday said it was alarmed by Cambodia’s crackdown on protests against Premier Hun Sen and urged authorities to show restraint.
“We are following the situation in Cambodia with serious concern and are deeply alarmed by the disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officials in responding to demonstrations,” said Rupert Colville, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Protest rallies have been banned in Cambodia where several protesters were shot dead Friday during a demonstration in the capital Phnom Penh and others injured by gunfire and beatings.
On Monday, five activists were detained temporarily as they tried to protest against the crackdown.
“We call on the Cambodian authorities and security forces to exercise utmost restraint. Policing of demonstrations must comply at all times with international human rights obligations and international standards in maintaining public order,” Colville told reporters.
Cambodia must launch a “prompt and thorough investigation” of the security forces’ actions and ensure that members found to have used disproportionate and excessive force are held accountable, he added.
Colville also expressed concern about the disappearance of 23 people detained after last week’s protests, including at least one minor.
He said that protesters should also exercise “maximum restraint” during their rallies.
AFP
