Exiled Cambodian politician denounces Francophonie summit, citing repression
BANGKOK, Nov 13 (Reuters) – Exiled Cambodian opposition figure Sam Rainsy denounced a gathering of leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, in Phnom Penh this weekend as a “sham”, saying political persecution and organised crime in the Southeast Asian nation made it an inappropriate venue. Heads of state and senior ministers are meeting in the […] The post Exiled Cambodian politician…
Cambodian opposition politician Sam Rainsy denounced a Francophonie summit in Phnom Penh, stating it was a "sham" due to political persecution and organized crime in Cambodia. The summit, hosted by the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), aimed to promote cooperation among French-speaking nations. Rainsy, living in self-exile after being convicted in absentia and having his party banned, criticized Cambodia's democracy, rule of law, human rights, and judiciary as being in stark contrast to the Francophonie's values.
The Cambodian government, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, focused on making the summit a success, while the United Nations urged the release of over 100 detainees exercising their fundamental freedoms. A coalition of 26 Cambodian organizations handed a joint petition to the Canadian and French embassies, highlighting "democratic backsliding, human rights violations, and attacks on civil society." France stated that human rights and rule of law would be addressed at various levels.
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- Thailand warns Cambodia against raising border dispute at Francophonie Summit khaosodenglish.com
- Exiled Cambodian politician denounces Francophonie summit, citing repression channelnewsasia.com
