Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 14 – On 11 August 2024, Cambodian diaspora groups in South Korea, Japan, Canada, and Australia organized peaceful protests against the Cambodia-Laos-Viet Nam Development Triangle Area (CLV), expressing concerns that the initiative prioritises foreign interests and negatively impacts Cambodian citizens and land concessions. The protests ignited social media debates and led to international demonstrations. Since late July, Cambodian authorities have arrested 94 individuals, with 59 facing charges and 33 accused of plotting against the state. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemned the arrests, asserting that the activists were unlawfully detained for peaceful protest. Cambodian authorities labeled the activists "subversive" and claimed they posed a national security threat. Hay Vanna, a protest organizer, was accused of inciting Cambodians to overthrow the government, with his brother Hay Vannarith being arrested while fleeing to Thailand. An audio recording allegedly revealed Vannarith admitting that his brother instructed him to mobilise people against the government and the CLV on 18 August, 2024.
These subversive activities have been framed as an initial step in a broader effort to incite a "color revolution", a term used to describe movements aimed at overthrowing governments through civil unrest. On 6 March, Hun Sen reiterated his appeals to the public to guard against a "color revolution" and uphold peace. He also reiterated that there would be no tolerance for those who seek to destroy peace.
According to Cambodia's Criminal Code, individuals involved in such activities face severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences ranging from 15 to 30 years, or life imprisonment for public officials. The government has also warned that anyone associated with the August 18 protests could be labeled as a "Mastermind" under Article 451, 452, 453 of the Criminal Code, which carries significant legal penalties.
Firstly, the coordinated actions of overseas opposition activists, such as organizing protests in various countries and disseminating anti-government messages, are perceived as inciting wider unrest. Secondly, the opposition's criticism of the Cambodian-Lao-Vietnamese (CLV) alliance is viewed as a threat to an essential regional development plan, potentially undermining both domestic and regional stability and relations with neighboring countries. Lastly, the occurrence of protests in countries like South Korea, Japan, and Canada raises alarms about foreign influence, leading the Cambodian government to suspect that external actors may be backing these efforts to destabilise the government.
Sam Rainsy, a prominent opposition figure living in self-exile, is seen as a key organizer behind the protests against the Cambodia-Laos-Viet Nam Development Triangle Area (CLV) and the planned "18 August" demonstration. He has conducted online meetings with supporters in countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Rainsy, who faces multiple criminal charges, including terrorism and incitement, has long called for international sanctions against Cambodia, accusing the government of human rights violations and undemocratic practices. The Cambodian government views his actions, including using citizens as "human shields" during protests for political gains such one at Steung Meanchey 2013 demonstration, as attempts to incite unrest and destabilise the country. These protests, targeting Cambodia’s rural poor, are seen as a threat to the nation’s democratic values, socioeconomic development, and foreign investment, with the potential to harm vulnerable populations the most.
Ms. Chanmolika, [16-Oct-24 5:54 PM]
In conclusion, the Cambodian government's response to these protests reflects its concern over national security and the stability of the country. While the actions of figures like Sam Rainsy may resonate with some Cambodians, they pose a significant threat to the country's peace and economic well-being. The government must ensure that its actions against these opposition figures are transparent and in line with both national and international laws, in order to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law.
Thong Mengdavid-Geopolitical and Security Analyst
=FRESH NEWS
Photo from Phnom Penh Post
