Protest in Cambodia leaves one dead
Violent clashes have erupted in Cambodia, leaving a protester dead and several wounded as thousands gathered to challenge strongman premier Hun Sen’s disputed election win. Security forces fired smoke grenades, tear gas and water cannon at rock-throwing opposition supporters in Phnom Penh in an escalation of the political crisis that has gripped the kingdom since controversial July polls. In one of a series of clashes around the city, anti-riot police fired warning shots and baton charged a group of protesters who were throwing rocks near a bridge some five kilometres from the main protest site, according to a witness. One demonstrator was killed, according to prominent activist Ou Virak, president of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights. “I saw with my own eyes he is dead. He was shot in the head,” he told AFP, adding that while military police had fired “many shots” into the air the circumstances of the man’s death remained unclear. … Military police spokesman Kheng Tito said he was unable to confirm the death. He denied the security forces had fired live ammunition. “The military police used only batons and shields and police used tear gas. We did not use live rounds,” he said. The violence came after an estimated 20,000 supporters of the CNRP gathered in a park in the capital demanding an independent probe into the election.
Sky News Australia News Staff
http://www.skynews.com.au/world/article.aspx?id=906497
