A Sam Rainsy Party activist in Kompong Cham province was shot to death last week in what party officials claim was a politically motivated killing but police say was a personal dispute.
Khhim Nhak, 31, a candidate in the upcoming communal elections, was shot twice and killed by five people, including at least one policeman, in Kandal Thmei village, Preah Theat commune, O’Raing-Ou district, officials said.
He was on the way home at about 11 pm from a nearby house where he had been watching TV when he was shot. The victim died at his home two hours later, but not before naming five people as his killers.
Kompong Cham Province Police Chief Seng Sokhim said one policeman was involved in the slaying but said the killing was a personal dispute and not politically motivated.
He said the victim was shot by three people, including the policeman, three days after the gunmen had an argument with the victim.
Mao Mony, a Sam Rainsy Party official in Kompong Cham, disputed the claim. “The killing was really political, because he is a popular communal candidate,” he said. “[For] no other reason was he killed.”
Party officials said the killing took place Aug 17 and two Preah Theat commune policemen were involved. Police said it happened Aug 19. They said they are awaiting an arrest warrant from court.
Khhim Nhak had disclosed power abuses, corruption and violent police acts, according to Sam Rainsy Party acting secretary- general Meng Rita.
Khhim Nhak, 31, a candidate in the upcoming communal elections, was shot twice and killed by five people, including at least one policeman, in Kandal Thmei village, Preah Theat commune, O’Raing-Ou district, officials said.
He was on the way home at about 11 pm from a nearby house where he had been watching TV when he was shot. The victim died at his home two hours later, but not before naming five people as his killers.
Kompong Cham Province Police Chief Seng Sokhim said one policeman was involved in the slaying but said the killing was a personal dispute and not politically motivated.
He said the victim was shot by three people, including the policeman, three days after the gunmen had an argument with the victim.
Mao Mony, a Sam Rainsy Party official in Kompong Cham, disputed the claim. “The killing was really political, because he is a popular communal candidate,” he said. “(For) no other reason was he killed.”
Party officials say the killing took place Aug 17 and that two Preah Theat commune policemen were involved. Police say it happened Aug 19. They also say they are awaiting an arrest warrant from court.
Khhim Nhak had disclosed power abuses, corruption and violent police acts, according to Sam Rainsy Party acting secretary general Meng Rita. “The government must shoulder responsibility for this barbaric act and bring the criminals to justice,” he said.
