CNRP to Hold Ceremony for Grenade Victims
Supporters of the opposition CNRP and relatives of the 16 men, women and children killed in a grenade attack during a protest rally in 1997, will hold a Buddhist ceremony today at the scene of the blasts in front of the old National Assembly in Phnom Penh. In a letter addressed to Phnom Penh Governor Pa Socheatvong, the CNRP said the Buddhist ceremony organized for the Pchum Ben festival would be “dedicated to the spirits of the heroic demonstrators who died during a terrorist grenade attack,” which occurred on March 30, 1997. … No one has ever been held accountable for the attack, which also injured at least 100 people. During the attack three grenades tore through the crowds of garment workers, protesters and their families in Wat Botum Park during a demonstration led by then-Sam Rainsy Party leader Mr. Rainsy. … City Hall spokesman Long Dimanche said the municipality is allowing the ceremony but wants it to be over by midday. “We also requested the CNRP not to use a loudspeaker because it would disturb the monks chanting in Wat Botum,” he said.
Aun Pheap and Dene-Hern Chen
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/elections/cnrp-to-hold-ceremony-for-grenade-victims-43867/
