Cambodian government critic killed over money, accused says

A police officer stands guard in front of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court during the trial of Chuop Somlap, who is accused of murdering the political commentator and prominent government critic Kem Ley, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, March 1, 2017. A man accused of murdering prominent Cambodian government critic Kem Ley told a court on Wednesday that he killed him over money, in a shooting that drew suspicions of a political motive.

The bucolic life of Grandma Chaem

Im Chaem fertilises cucumber plants behind her house in O’Angre village, in Anlong Veng, on February 3. A UN-backed tribunal’s investigating judges quietly dropped charges against Chaem, who was accused of overseeing the killings of tens of thousands. Omar Havana/The New York Times The tiny 74-year-old lives peacefully in a snug, stilted house surrounded by papaya, lime and custard-apple trees.

CPP calls for action over speech

The Cambodian People’s Party has demanded authorities take action against two more CNRP figures, including a lawmaker, over a speech in France that referred to the ruling party regime as a “beast” and “puppets of Vietnam”. Sending yet another chill down the spines of government opponents and critics, the letter by the CPP singled out French-based activist Ly Poeung and lawmaker for Prey Veng province Tout Khoeut.

Cambodian opposition chief resigns from party

In this Aug. 16, 2015 file photo, Sam Rainsy, leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party , waves from a car upon his arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia as hundreds of cheering supporters greeted him on his return from a trip abroad. The head of Cambodia’s opposition party has announced his resignation from the group after the country’s long-serving prime minister announced plans for a law that could lead to the party’s dissolution.

Cambodia’s explanation for killing of activist draws doubt

In this April, 6, 2016, file photo, Cambodian prominent political analyst Kem Ley smiles as he celebrates the 67th anniversary to commemorate the Kampuchea Krom territory’s return to Vietnam by the French government at Chroy Changvar in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Kem Ley, a poor farmer’s son turned champion of Cambodia’s have-nots, was killed in a still-unresolved case that has both silenced opposition figures and ignited a pro-democracy surge.