Cambodian opposition stages second big poll ‘fraud’ protest
Thousands of Cambodians are protesting, for the second weekend in a row, against the ruling party’s narrow election win in July. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy said demonstrations would continue until vote irregularities were investigated. Police used water cannons to disperse protesters who tore down barricades near the Royal Palace. On Saturday, talks between Mr Rainsy and Prime Minister Hun Sen failed to resolve the political deadlock. … Up to 20,000 activists, workers and monks gathered in a public park in Phnom Penh under the watchful eye of riot police on Sunday. Rural protesters were transported to the capital in large convoys of buses and trucks. Marchers carried signs reading “Where is my vote?” and “Long live democracy”. … The Ministry of Interior said Sunday’s rally had to end by early evening, local media reports. But many protesters defied the order and stayed in the streets, raising the prospect of a possible forced removal. Around 200 demonstrators clashed with police near the Royal Palace, which had been sectioned off with barbed wire barricades and roadblocks. Security forces used water cannons and smoke grenades to disperse the protesters, who threw rocks and shoes. …
BBC News Staff
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24098788
