Before Obama visit, Cambodians clear streets — or take to them
As Barack Obama prepares for the first visit by a United States president to Cambodia this month, the country is reportedly preparing for him too — by hiding street children from sight in Phnom Penh… While the government has tidied its streets, protesters have begun camping outside the American Embassy to press for the release of two detained activists. Though exiled dissident Sam Rainsy urged Obama to stay away from Cambodia, other government critics are seizing on his visit as a chance to highlight reported abuses, from forced evictions to unpunished killings… “When we protest, we are faced with violence,” Tep Vanny of the Boeng Kak community told the Cambodia Daily while protesting outside the Embassy. “I hope the arrival of President Obama will bring democracy to Cambodia.” …
