Cambodian Opposition Learns Non-Violent Protest Tactics
VOA Khmer
Heng Reaksmey
Kong Sothanarith
Cambodian Opposition Learns Non-Violent Protest Tactics
PHNOM PENH - About 1,000 members of the Cambodian opposition have taken part in non-violent protest training for their upcoming mass rally against the results of July's election.
Officials for the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Wednesday had their supporters practice how to react non-violently to police provocations, spot infiltrators in their ranks and avoid the use of abusive language.
After the session, some were asked to come on stage to demonstrate what they had learned, with other members of the opposition portraying security forces.
The government has deployed troops in the Cambodian capital before the planned demonstration and has warned about the rally turning violent.
But Kem Sokha, CNRP vice president, says a peaceful protest is the goal.
“Non-violent protest is of great benefit. It benefits not only the protesters, but also all parties involved to have safety and everybody will win.”
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy, CNRP president, said it is critical for his supporters to come out and protest the election results.
“If you disagree with the election result, please come out in high number to show that we disagree with this fraudulent and unfair result. We do not agree with it. We are not satisfied. We want nothing, but the whole truth.”
Photo Gallery:
Opposition Stages Demonstration ‘Training’
Some 1,000 opposition supporters and leaders took part in a practice demonstration on Wednesday, in preparation for a massive gathering on Saturday. Officials for the Cambodia National Rescue Party say Saturday’s demonstration will be one of nonviolence and a meditation on justice, rather than a fervent demonstration against election results, as originally planned. Wednesday’s training came as the Constitutional Council, the highest body of redress for election issues, denied an opposition request to recount votes from 116 polling stations in Battambang province. Soun Chamroeun, a representative for the Rescue Party, said the decision demonstrated political bias at the Council. (Photo by Heng Reaksmey, Phnom Penh)
The training comes as the Constitutional Council has denied an opposition request to recount votes from last month's election in 116 polling stations in Battambang province.
The opposition has said it won the July parliamentary election, blaming nationwide vote rigging for swaying the outcome. But the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) says it won the vote and a majority of the legislature.
