PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia’s government launched a broad crackdown on the political opposition Saturday, clearing the foes’ main protest site, banning their street demonstrations and having a court call in their party leaders for questioning on charges of inciting social unrest.
Police dispersed about 1,000 anti-government demonstrators from a park in the capital, Phnom Penh, a day after four people were killed in a crackdown on a labor protest. Stages and other structures erected by the protesters were demolished.
Hundreds of anti-riot police moved in after warning the protesters to leave Freedom Park, where they had camped since mid-December to demand that Prime Minister Hun Sen step down and call new elections. They said July’s general election was rigged and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party was robbed of victory.
A warrant issued by prosecutors at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court called for CNRP leaders Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha to appear for questioning Jan. 14. A copy of the document was posted on the party’s website Saturday.
The warrant said the two would be questioned about allegedly inciting people to commit criminal acts and actions that could cause social unrest.
Sam Rainsy returned to Cambodia shortly before the election from self-imposed exile after being given a pardon for charges that he said were politically inspired. His return galvanized the opposition, which made an unexpectedly strong showing in the polls even according to the official results it disputes.
CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann said the party leaders were not worried about the legal moves aimed at them.
On Friday, at least four people were killed when police opened fire to break up a protest by striking garment workers demanding a doubling of the minimum wage. Unions in Cambodia have long and close ties to the opposition.
