PHNOM PENH - Opposition leader Sam Rainsy on Thursday paid a visit to a site of post-election violence on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, addressing a large crowd of people and imploring them to join a mass demonstration on Saturday.
Sam Rainsy, who is president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, addressed nearly 1,000 people at the Stung Meanchey pagoda, where following the July 28 elections a crowd of people massed in the streets, overturned military police vehicles and lit them on fire. A similar crowd also banned many Vietnamese speakers from voting on Election Day.
Sam Rainsy called on them to join his supporters at Freedom Park in Phnom Penh on Saturday.
He told reporters later that the Rescue Party remains intent on holding a non-violent demonstration, following elections in July that he says were marred by irregularities.
“We are committed to demanding justice for the voters and receiving 100 percent justice,” he said.
A supporter outside the pagoda, who asked that she not be named, said she planned on taking part in Saturday’s demonstration. “I want to join, because I want peace and good leaders,” she said.
Police officials say they will deploy 100 officers to ensure the gathering does not meet with violence.
Sam Rainsy, who is president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, addressed nearly 1,000 people at the Stung Meanchey pagoda, where following the July 28 elections a crowd of people massed in the streets, overturned military police vehicles and lit them on fire. A similar crowd also banned many Vietnamese speakers from voting on Election Day.
Sam Rainsy called on them to join his supporters at Freedom Park in Phnom Penh on Saturday.
He told reporters later that the Rescue Party remains intent on holding a non-violent demonstration, following elections in July that he says were marred by irregularities.
“We are committed to demanding justice for the voters and receiving 100 percent justice,” he said.
A supporter outside the pagoda, who asked that she not be named, said she planned on taking part in Saturday’s demonstration. “I want to join, because I want peace and good leaders,” she said.
Police officials say they will deploy 100 officers to ensure the gathering does not meet with violence.
