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Observers: Cambodian Government Tightened Grip on Power in 2019

Leonie Kijewski

   PHNOM PENH - This past year, Cambodia's prime minister, Hun Sen,
   consolidated his power, observers say, pointing to intimidation of the
   opposition and a minimal improvement of human rights following the
   European Union's threat to withdraw the trade agreement Everything But
   Arms. The deal grants free access to the EU single market for all
   products, with the exception of arms and armaments.

   "We're seeing the real Cambodia and the real Cambodian government,
   which is rights abusing, corrupt and non-democratic," said Phil
   Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch. "The situation
   has just not improved in any way, shape, or form over the past year."

   Exiled acting opposition leader Sam Rainsy first announced earlier in
   2019 that he was returning home, but then in August stated he would be
   back on November 9, Cambodia's Independence Day.

   The government responded with a prompt crackdown on opposition
   activists, arresting scores on charges of "plotting against the state."

   This was one of the major indicators that the ruling party consolidated
   its power during 2019, Robertson said.

   "The biggest change is a lot more people arrested and political
   prisoners held in pre-trial detention and then sent to long prison
   terms for exercising their civil and political rights," he said.
   "You've got Cambodia surging up to the level of almost 100 political
   prisoners during the course of 2019'¦in part because the government has
   tried to bend over backwards to suppress any display of support for the
   opposition (Cambodia National Rescue Party) CNRP."

   A spokesman for Hun Sen's Cabinet, or Council of Ministers, Phay
   Siphan, could not be reached for comment.

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