Phnom Penh (FN), Sep 5 – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stated that measures to prevent social unrest on August 18 are aimed at ensuring social stability for citizens. He revealed that 66 individuals were arrested to avert unrest, with 57 released and nine remaining under trial.
His remarks followed a statement from ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, which he deemed baseless and politically incorrect regarding the arrests.
The premier spoke on Thursday (Sep. 5) during a certificate presentation ceremony for nearly 2,000 law students and trainees at OCIC in Phnom Penh.
In this context, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet criticized the human rights group for failing to offer guidance when protesters engaged in illegal activities and created insecurity. He noted that the group only criticized the authorities after legal action was taken.
On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei asserted that the measures to prevent insecurity on August 18 were constitutional protections. The Royal Government cannot permit a few individuals to undermine the rights of citizens who have exercised their democratic rights through elections.
"This is the proper application of our legal measures, which have prevented potential unrest. We enforce laws to protect the right of citizens to express themselves, but not to permit activities that infringe on societal rights or others' freedoms, such as planning violent demonstrations, preparing materials for attacks, or attempting to undermine the economy to create hardship for the people,” the premier underlined.
Samdech Thipadei continued, “The question is, what is our government for? We act to protect the rights of all citizens, uphold the constitution, and safeguard the electorate. The constitution guarantees elections every five years to ensure stability and continuity.”
Samdech President Hun Manet expressed anger at Cambodian opposition figure Hay Vanna, who, from Japan, urged people to incite unrest and destabilize the Cambodian economy. While most Cambodians support development cooperation, Vanna instead exploited the situation to attempt to overthrow the government.
At the same time, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet thanked the majority of people who did not participate in extremist activities with the opposition aimed at undermining the country.
Please be informed that the August 18 demonstration plan was orchestrated by a few extremist opposition groups who distorted the Cambodia-Laos-Viet Nam development triangle cooperation as a land cessation for Viet Nam. Hay Vanna used this opportunity to incite unrest and attempt to overthrow legitimate Royal Government of Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS
