Cambodian govt critic remembered 2 years after killing

Cambodian government critic Kem Ley, who has shot dead two years ago in what many believe was a political assassination, was commemorated with a march through the capital Phnom Penh on Tuesday.

The small Grassroots Democratic Party (GDP), one of 19 parties challenging the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) of long-time Prime Minister Hun Sen in July 29 elections, rallied outside their headquarters.

They were seen snaking through on motorbikes and in cars, trucks and tuk-tuks to the gas station shop where Ley was murdered on July 10, 2016.

Ley’s shooter, Oeuth Ang, was sentenced to life in prison in 2017, after reportedly telling authorities he killed the prominent political commentator and activist over an unpaid debt of 3,000 dollars, a claim Ley’s family denied.

Many Cambodians believe the murder was a politically motivated hit and that the gunman did not act alone.

Local media reported that Phnom Penh judge said on Monday the murder investigation remained open.

He, however, declined to say how many people were being investigated.

Along the parade route, Ley’s name echoed through amplified megaphones and his image was on campaign posters and leaflets alongside living party leaders.

GDP leaders, stopping just outside the shop where Ley was killed, laid lotus flowers and prayed, surrounded by journalists and a few hundred supporters.

“Ley sacrificed his life for social justice and the party planned to continue his mission,’’ GDP president Yeng Virak told newsmen.

“We still demand justice,’’ Virak said when asked about the murder investigation.