‘Patience’ of riot cops praised

Three thousand riot police officers yesterday received certificates of appreciation for their post-election work, which included “controlling the escalation” at the Kbal Thnal overpass last month, where one man was killed and at least nine injured by police who fired live ammunition at unarmed rioters. Interior Minister Sar Kheng, who is currently acting prime minister while the premier is abroad, held a ceremony for the officers yesterday to commend them for their “patience” during the incident. “We can control the escalation of the demonstration to minimise the number of deaths and injuries among both the police and the protesters. A similar demonstration in other countries would be difficult to keep under control, and I am appreciative of your strong patience,” Kheng told the officers, who gathered at the Ministry of Interior yesterday morning. … Delivering a report of the incident ahead of Kheng’s speech, deputy secretary general of the National Police General Mao Chandara said the CNRP had created a “dark” political environment leading to an unstable society. Following the thread, Kheng also blamed anarchic protesters and then blasted the United Nations for not acting in concert with police in the removal of Sok Chan’s body. Shortly after midnight on September 16, police tried to take away the body of Sok Chan – nearly inciting another riot in the process. Residents allowed his corpse to be removed only after the UN’s OHCHR intervened and took the body in its own vehicle and drove it to the hospital. But Kheng yesterday accused the United Nations of failing to cooperate with police officers. …

 Vong Sokheng
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/%E2%80%98patience%E2%80%99-riot-cops-praised