UN Concerned By Authorities’ Use of Violence

Unprovoked violence by government and private security guards, the use of weapons to quell protests, and communities resorting to violent means in land disputes is a growing cause for concern in Cambodia, the U.N.’s Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in its annual report released yesterday. Fundamental freedoms are being curbed, particularly with the use of force, the report says. …

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said the report was “out of date” and “second-hand news.” He also said the government has worked to hold responsible those who use violence in response to peaceful protests. …