Despite show of force, pagoda visit peaceful

11 February 2015
The Cambodia Daily
Crime and law enforcement / Human rights / Judiciary and courts / Law and judiciary / Laws and regulations / Social development
Khuong Sreng / Ministry of Cult and Religion (MOCR) / Phnom Penh Municipal Hall / Thach Ha Sam Ang / Wat Samakki Raingsey

Deputy Phnom Penh governor Khuong Sreng on Tuesday reversed course on a City Hall announcement that it was investigating Wat Samakki Raingsey over alleged anti-government behavior and secessionist designs, comments that sparked fears among its monks that the independent-minded pagoda would be shut down. During a visit to the pagoda with more than 50 police and military police in tow Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Sreng told its head monks that Samakki Raingsey would need to secure approval from the Ministry of Cults and Religions before it was fully accredited. But he left without making an explicit threat to shut it down or curb the unorthodox activities of its residents. …

 Mech Dara and Zsombor Peter
https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/despite-show-of-force-pagoda-visit-peaceful-77721/