An opposition lawmaker has sent a request to Phnom Penh governor Pa Socheatvong requesting permission to erect a statue of slain political analyst Kem Ley as an enduring symbol of the right to freedom of expression.
Kem Ley, a popular political and social researcher whose commentary reached a broad audience through the radio, was shot at a convenience store in Phnom Penh on July 10.
Ou Chanrath, a lawmaker for Takeo province, where Mr. Ley was raised and laid to rest, sent a letter to Mr. Socheatvong on Wednesday requesting permission for him and Kem Ley’s supporters to erect a statue of Kem Ley in Freedom Park, the home base for opposition demonstrations that following the 2013 national election.
“This is my own initiative, based on people’s comments on Facebook and in public,” Mr. Chanrath said. “City Hall has accepted the letter but they have not replied yet.”
Mr. Socheatvong could not be reached for comment. Mean Chanyada, a City Hall spokesman, said he was not aware of the request.
